Sunday 24 / November / 2024
Muscat: A third day of breezy conditions at Al Mouj Muscat Marina gave the crews much to ponder as all three races ended with different winners, and entirely different top three finishers in two of the three races in the 44Cup.
After the winds eased, Team Charisma of Monaco had extended their lead to seven points ahead of Igor Lah’s Team Ceeref powered by Hrastnik 1860 from Slovenia with Team Peninsula Racing of Great Britain a further eight points back.
Indeed, it was Team Peninsula who set the early pace by winning the first race of the day – ahead of Team Artemis Racing of Sweden - this was followed up by two eighth placed finishes which severely hindered their progress.
Team Charisma finished fourth with Team Ceeref in fifth in the opening race. The two teams remained close in the second race, but this time they were first and second when Team Charisma won and Lah’s Ceeref had to settle for the runners up spot.
The third race showed the excitement and unpredictability of the 44Cup as leaders Team Charisma owned and driven by Monaco-based Dutch businessman Nico Poons, had to settle for third and Team Ceeref for fifth.
Team Nika of Monaco, owned by Vladimir Prosikhin, founder of Monaco-based telecoms company Infosecurity Services, recorded their first 44Cup Oman with Team Aqua second.
While the top two continue to stretch the fleet, a tight battle is forming for third place.
Peninsula Racing currently occupy the position on 39 points but Aleph Racing of France and Artemis Racing are lurking in close proximity tied on 41. Team Nike and Team Aqua are tied on 48 points in joint fifth.
Nasser Al Mashari, main trimmer onboard Team Oman Sail, said, “Really hard conditions again today, very windy. We have not been used to strong winds on this boat, and hope for lighter winds tomorrow on the last day. We can perform better than we have so far, and the conditions will really help. There is still a lot to learn about this boat, but with practice and training on board we feel we can improve quickly.
“There are eight members in the crew, and everyone has a job during the race. “We are most accustomed to a five-person crew and while there is not much
difference, it is natural that if you train more then you will perform better.”
The 44Cup is the world’s most competitive “owner-driver” multi-city yacht racing series which gives business owners the opportunity to race with and against the world’s best sailors in some of the most beautiful and diverse sailing venues around the world.
The 44Cup Oman provides a unique platform for Omani businesses to network with international C-class executives, founders, entrepreneurs and investors during a weekend of spectacular offshore action. This season’s 44Cup features five stages. The second event in the 44Cup season will be in Marstrand, Sweden, from 28 June-2 July, and then Cowes, UK, from 9-13 August.
The fourth event of the season will be at the Alcaidesa Marina in Spain, next to the border with Gibraltar, before heading to Calero Marinas in the Canary Islands for the season finale. The 44Cup Oman is presented by official partners Oman Sail, organisers of the event, and host venue Al Mouj Muscat, in association with Automotive partner Mercedes-EQ, and official supporters TRANSOM Catering and Tanuf Water.
Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “We’re proud to serve as the official airline partner of the 44Cup Oman.
As the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, we extend our signature Omani hospitality and the highest standard of service to the sailors, coaches, and class managers, an experience that is guaranteed to leave them refreshed and ready to take on the challenge at Al Mouj Muscat Marina for the opening round of the championship. Being part of this world-class sailing event reaffirms Oman Air’s dedication to positioning the country as a prime international sports and luxury travel destination.”
Thomas Grieser, CEO of TRANSOM Catering, said, “TRANSOM Catering is thrilled to be the official hospitality partner of the 44Cup Oman and deliver an unforgettable experience for guests, crews, and officials. Our culinary expertise, combined with outstanding service, will provide world-class VIP catering and dining experiences for visitors to help create lasting memories throughout the event.
“We are honoured to take a leading role in delivering another exciting event in Oman and sharing the flavours of this diverse country through our unparalleled hospitality.
