(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) A light drizzle a cool breeze and a slightly chilly day welcomed the large Omani contingent from Oman Sail and the Ministry of Tourism at the 133rd Kiel Week sailing extravaganza in the northern German city of Kiel on Monday.
The Kiel Week which began on June 20 and will conclude on June 28 is the world's largest sailing festival.
Both Oman Sail and the tourism ministry officials consider it as an important stage to showcase Oman as a sailing and tourism destination.
Speaking exclusively to Muscat Daily on Tuesday David Graham the Oman Sail CEO said 'The Kiel Week is a perfect example of sport and tourism getting together.'
Nearly 5000 sailors from 50 countries on 2000 yachts dinghies and surfboards are competing in nearly 40 sailing events and more than 400 regattas are featuring in 11 race courses making the Kiel Week the largest sailing festival.
'The Kiel Week is an important fixture for Oman Sail as it provides the right platform for not just sailing but it also promotes Oman as a tourist destination to the people of Germany which is a key market' said Graham.
The participation of Oman Sail's flagship MOD70 - Musandam-Oman Sail at the Kiel Welcome Race - and its victory in the event showed that the crew led by Frenchman
Sidney Gavignet is in form.Graham said 'The recent victories of Oman Sail teams including Musandam-Oman Sail breaking the Round the Ireland record and its latest win in Kiel is a testament to the team and its hard work. I am very happy with them gaining recognition through records. The new records and achievements will hopefully act as motivation for the Omani youth.'
The Oman Sail CEO added 'The latest win by The Wave Muscat in Cardiff UK in Act 4 of the 2015 Extreme Sailing Series with Oman's Nasser al Mashari on board is another highlight proving that Omani sailors are improving at the top level.
'Nasser is a role model that Omani youngsters should look up to as he has climbed up the ladder through sheer hard work and proved that Omanis can be among the best in the world of sailing.'
Graham said sailing and tourism in Oman have paired up well just like 'fish taking to water' and sailing's 'incredible success' has given a push to both sectors.
'Statistics have proved it and both fit perfectly with Oman's deep maritime heritage.
'Authentic Arabia' is the tourism ministry's campaign and Oman Sail is doing an authentic promotion of Oman with Omanis sailing across the world and continuing the legacy of their ancestors' he said.
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