He has been associated with various Oman Sail development projects since 2008 and has sailed as skipper of a couple of Oman Sail teams at international competitions.
The Frenchman has had a long and successful career; he participated in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, won the Volvo Ocean Race and has taken part in the America's Cup.
Gavignet has kept a close watch on the progress of Omani sailors over the years and has also trained a few of them during top flight offshore races.
Gavignet, who has a track record of four round-the-world races and 20 transats races, spoke to Muscat Daily on the future of Omani sailors. ''It is very important for Oman Sail to continue with unique projects like SATT,'' he said. ''This is an ideal platform for Oman's local talent to prove their mettle as they get to face top-class sailors from across the world.
''From what I have seen over the past few years, Omanis are quick learners when it comes to sailing. They have good stamina and they just love the water,'' said Gavignet.
Gavignet's crew on board EFG Bank (Monaco) is heavily favoured to win the 2014 SATT. Last year, he led the team to a third-place finish.
Gavignet, who has been sailing for three decades, believes that it takes a 'long time for sailors to reach the top at the international level'.
He said, ''Oman Sail and the Omani sailors should not look for short-term goals as this sport demands a lot of patience. The young Omanis should be given the right environment and support over a long period of time before one can expect results at the international level. Events like SATT are really good platforms for the Omani men and women sailors to learn.''
Gavignet added, ''I have been sailing for over 30 years now. The sport tests you for a long time before you start achieving success. It is going to be no different for the Omani sailors as well; they are still very young on the international stage. So, Oman Sail should keep this momentum going and the country should wait for the results to follow. It is a long journey.''
Gavignet was all praise for the two Omanis on board his team - Mohammed al Mujaini and Ali al Balushi. ''They have lot of promise and potential. The duo has participated in SATT before and also has offshore experience in Tour de France a la Voile. They are in better shape than last year and have improved a lot. Both are an asset to this team. I enjoy the fact that they have shown an appetite to learn,'' said Gavignet.
''It is also encouraging to see all-Omani crew with Team Renaissance and Royal Navy of Oman. I am certain that more young sailors will be spotted and nurtured by Oman Sail. At the moment, I can say that Oman Sail is on the right path to churning out some world-class sailors,''
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