Times of Oman__Oman Sail will host the inaugural round of the 44th International Sailing Cup, which will be held from March 1 to 5 at Al Mouj Muscat.

The competition will witness the participation of elite international sailors representing nine international teams from the United Kingdom, Monaco, France, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland. In addition, the "Oman Sail" team boat will also participate, led by sailor Musab Al-Hadi.

This year’s edition of the International Sailing Cup will be held through five rounds. After the completion of the first round in Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, the championship will go to Marstrand Island, Sweden for its second round, from (June 28 to July 2). The third round will take place in Kaos, United Kingdom, from (August 9-13), after which the the fourth and penultimate round will happen in Marina Alcaidesa, Spain (October 18-22). The final round will take place in the Canary Islands (November 22-26).

Mariam Al Jadidiyeh, Senior Project Manager of Oman Sail, said: “The tournament highlights the Sultanate of Oman as a global destination for attracting and hosting major international tournaments, and promoting natural, tourism and heritage assets," explaining that the tournament is attended by a group of international business and financial sector leaders, which is an opportunity for entrepreneurs in the Sultanate of Oman to meet with them, and exchange ideas of business and investment opportunities.

The races are held aboard class 44 single-hull sailing boats, characterized by their high performance and dependence on wind energy for movement.