Shabab Oman II returns after completing ‘Friendship and Peace Sail’

Muscat: After nearly six months at sea, passing through 14 countries, the Oman Navy of Oman ship 'Shabab Oman II' has returned home.
Shabab Oman II returned home on Monday morning after sailing in Europe on its third international voyage entitled 'Friendship and Peace Sail,' which was carried out under the high orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
On this occasion, the Royal Navy of Oman organised an official reception at the Sultan Qaboos Port for Shabab Oman II under the patronage of Sayyid Badr bin Saud Al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs.
"We celebrate today the return of the ship Shabab Oman II to its homeland after an international voyage, which toured several international ports for six months, in recognition of the noble approach of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to spread the message of peace and harmony," Al Busaidi said.
"The achievements and international awards achieved by the ship during this voyage are the best proof of the efficiency of the ship's crew, their sincere efforts and dedicated work towards achieving the noble national message for which it was launched," he added.
The ship received a number of awards through its journey, including the most beautiful vessel at the Le Havre Festival in France, and the longest ship to reach the city of Halmstad, Sweden. Shabab Oman also won first place in a relay race, which was held during the sporting events at the Festival of Turku Finland, and Best Craft Award for Ship Crews at the Dean Hilder Festival in the Netherlands.
The Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi, said: "The Royal Navy of Oman must feel very proud as it sails the ship as Oman's mobile ambassador, cruising the seas and oceans with its slogan of friendship and peace."
When the ship anchored, the captain of the vessel invited Minister Al Busaidi, other dignitaries and attendees to board the ship, where they were briefed on the course of its journey, its national objectives and achievements during its international journey.
An exhibition was also held, which included photographs of the history of naval glories of the Sultanate, and the role of the ship in the spreading the message of friendship and peace at the various stations and ports it stopped at during its journey.