Oman said it has won bid to host the 2019 International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) Asian and Oceanian Championship at its purpose-built Olympic standard venue, Al Mussanah Sports City, from September 30 to October 8.

The sports city offers outstanding facilities, including the Millennium Resort Mussanah, as well as ideal winter sailing conditions with blue skies, warm weather and reliable winds.

Since its completion in 2010 the venue has already hosted numerous international sailing events, including world championships for the RS:X Windsurfing and Laser Radial Women classes in 2015, and Laser Standard Men, Youth and Masters in 2013.

The sultanate was awarded the prestigious regional event following a vote at the AGM of the association held during the current Optimist World Championship in Thailand.

Oman Sail’s successful bid – which was selected ahead of a rival proposal by Yeosu, South Korea – will also allow the country to showcase its unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality.

Oman will follow Hong Kong, later this year, and Myanmar in 2018, as host of the championship.

On the 2019 win, Salma Al Hashmi, the chief marketing officer at Oman Sail, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the championship and very pleased that the IODA members who voted in our favour recognised the superb facilities and sailing conditions that we have to offer."

“We have the experience to run a large international event of this nature, and Oman Sail, Al Mussanah Sports City and indeed the whole of Oman look forward to welcoming the many young Optimist sailors from across Asia and Oceania who will be attending,” she added.

The success of the championship bid following three previous attempts was also warmly welcomed by Oman Sail’s Rashid Al Kindi, chairman of the Oman Sailing Committee.

“It is a matter of great pride for all of us to have been awarded the Championship and I would like to thank all the countries that supported our bid,” he said.

Oman will now invite the top-five winning sailors at the event to attend next year’s annual Mussanah Race Week. Registration for Mussanah Race Week opens later this month.

“We are passionate about sailing, and hosting international events of this nature allows us to highlight our expertise and the many attractions that Oman has to offer visitors and competitors alike. It will also be a great platform for our young sailors to gain experience and compete against their counterparts,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service