The latest addition to Oman Air's fleet will weigh anchor at Cowes this week, at the world's greatest sailing regatta. And the 105-foot racing yacht,Majan Oman Air, will be offering a select group of VIP guests the opportunity to experience a little of what skipper Sidney Gavignetwill take on in the single-handed race,La Route Du Rhum, between St Malo, France, and the island of Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean.

Majan Oman Air is being sponsored by Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, as part of its campaign to increase sports and leisure opportunities within the country and help Omanis achieve their full potential. Owned and poweredby Oman Sail, the A100 trimaran, Majan Oman Air, is a member of an elite class of racing yacht and is one of the world's fastest offshore multihulls, which can be sailed solo or with a full crew of seven.

Oman Air's Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill, will be attending Cowes Week and will welcome visitors toMajan Oman Air. He says:

"Oman Air is delighted to be sponsoring thissuperb vessel, and to be showcasing her at the world's most prestigious yachting event. We have built our reputation on providing comfortable, luxurious travel on superb aircraft which offer passengers all the very latest technology. It is fitting, therefore, that her captain, Sidney Gavignet, will be sailing under Oman Air's colours in one of the most technologically advanced vessels of its kind.

"I am looking forward to exploring Majan Oman Air, introducing our guests to Sidneyand to sailing her in the waters off the Isle of Wight."

Built in Oman, Majan Oman Air is the flagship of Oman Sail's fleet and is playing a key role in the growth of sailing in the Sultanate. Whilst Oman has a sailing history that goes back thousands of years and is captured in the myths and legends of Sindbad, modern sailing is relatively new to the country.

Majan Oman Air's skipper, Sidney Gavignet, holds a world speed record for a solo transatlantic crossing and has circumnavigated the world four times. He is playing a key role in developing sailing as a sport in Oman.

Oman Air's sponsorship of Majan Oman Air follows its support for Jewel of Muscat, a hand built reconstruction of a 9th Century Arab dhow, which was built in Oman and sailed along the ancient trading routes between the Middle East and South East Asia, before being presented to the president of Singapore, SR Nathan, as a gift to the nation. The gift of Jewel of Muscat celebrated Oman's seafaring heritage and the century's-old trading links between the Sultanate and Singapore.

Peter Hill concludes:

"Oman Air's support for both Jewel of Muscat and Majan Oman Air recognises the spirit of adventure and international friendship that has been such an intrinsic part of Oman, both historically and in the modern age. Oman Air is a further expression of that spirit and I am delighted that the airline has been able to play a part in showcasing Majan Oman Air at Cowes, helping to continue Oman's maritime heritage and raising awareness of the great opportunities for sailing off the coast of the Sultanate.

"With Oman Air's daily, direct flights from London to Muscat, getting to Oman could not be easier and the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean offer sailing enthusiasts of every ability an unforgettable experience."