The Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup Muscat-Khasab Race has received, in its fourth edition, formal recognition from the UK-based Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), one of the oldest and respected sailing clubs in the world. This recognition is a testimony to the efforts deployed to render the race a first-class event.

Dames Jeanne, a UAE-based yacht skippered by Jean Phillipe Girard, won the 370km Muscat to Khasab Bank of Beirut Chairman’s Cup taking home US$16,000.

Seven boats, including a British entry, a Kuwaiti team, two UAE sides, and three boats from Oman participated in the IRC racing boat class.

Lee Overlay, who had earlier won the 2013 Dubai-Muscat Race - a prelude to the Chairman's Cup- , was beaten by Dames Jeanne, the lowest rated boat in the fleet.

All the sailors expressed great enthusiasm following the event and revealed that they would compete in the race next year as well.Speaking after the successful completion of the event, Ramy Zambarakji, managing director of Bank of Beirut Oman, said, “Our aim is to promote interest in the conservation of Omani maritime heritage, nurture sailing as a healthy and enjoyable sport and bring regional and international sailors to Oman. As sailing has traditionally been one of the sports of preference for Omanis, our objective is to promote young Omani enthusiasts and encourage them to make their mark in elite sailing events around the world.”