The 2011 Extreme Sailing Series will kick off in the Sultanate Oman in Muscat as part of the Muscat Festival with two days of 'open-water' racing followed by the public stadium days on the 22nd -24th, celebrating Oman’s traditional arts, culture and heritage. Perched on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, stark beauty and vastly contrasting landscapes typify Oman: arid desert, secret oases, awe-inspiring mountains and a lush shoreline.

Muscat Mosque © Lloyd Images / Oman Sail

Muscat was originally referred to as Cryptus Portus, the Hidden Port by Greek geographer Ptolemy in the 1st Century. Its geography has made it an ideal setting for the Extreme Sailing Series, providing spectators with a natural stadium where the racing can be watched from the waters edge.  The Race Village will be based at The Wave, Muscat – a new development with over 4,000 apartments, townhouses and villas spread over 2.5 million square meters offering contemporary architecture with subtle Middle Eastern influences.

On land, fauna and flora of a stunning diversity thrive. In the ocean, coral reefs churn the turquoise sea into surf that breaks onto white sandy beaches. The coastline of Oman extends over 1,700 km, most of which borders the Indian Ocean.

Muscat harbour © Lloyd Images / Oman Sail

Until recently much of Oman was undiscovered by tourists but it has developed into a high-end tourist location and a destination for foreign investment. The country has initiated and developed a national sailing program in recent years under the banner Oman Sail. Oman Sail is a new scheme set up to revitalise Oman’s rich sailing history and connect with young Omanis, whilst offering them the chance to compete internationally. Khamis Al Anbouri made history last year racing onboard The Wave, Muscat, when they won the 2010 Extreme Sailing Series and became the first Omani to win an international sailing event having only taken up the sport three years ago. Oman’s other famous sailor is of course the legend of Sinbad whose tales are still told today.

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