Oman to Host AC World Series

The falling price of oil has apparently not dampened the Omani passion for sailing, nor their ability to host a grand (and pricey) regatta. The Sultanate of Oman will earn a page in sporting history when it becomes the first country in the Middle East to host America’s Cup racing on February 27-28, 2016.

Muscat will host the first of four to six Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series events to be held in 2016 in foiling AC45 catamarans. The monarchy’s capital city has been hosting high-performance multihull racing every year since 2011, and Cup players such as Sir Ben Ainslie, Dean Barker and Franck Cammas are familiar with the warm waters of the Gulf of Oman, the sunny climate, and, generally speaking, the 10-15 knots of breeze.

"Oman Sail has worked hard since 2008 to reconnect the people of Oman with their sailing roots and to create a generation of sailors," said the CEO of Oman Sail, David Graham. "We have a very successful youth, women, national and international sailing program and are actively generating socio-economic benefits for the country and contributing to the development of the Omani people through sailing. Hosting a Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series event will provide huge inspiration to our sailors and take us closer to our aims."

The only other 2016 event scheduled so far is ACWS Chicago, coming to the shores of Lake Michigan on June 10–12. A ‘limited edition’ Chicago Holiday Pack is on sale now. See www.americascup.com for more info.