The trimaran that Ellen MacArthur sailed alone around the world in 2005 is to circumnavigate the globe again.

MacArthur’s former record-breaking 75-foot trimaran is now known as ‘Musandam’ and owned by the Sultan of Oman.  Ellen was an official guest in Muscat for the launch, to wish the project well, and explain to the audience what it means to sail around the planet and the tough challenges ahead. “Oman Sail is a project with a great heart and serious aims. I’m delighted to see my old boat now heading off across the oceans again on a new challenge, she was created for that! I wish the Oman Sail team fair winds and good luck on what remains an extremely difficult challenge – although I’m sure ‘Musandam’ will look after them,” said Ellen.

Mohsin Al Busaidi looks set to be the first ever Omani, as part of a crew of 5, to attempt to sail at high speed the gruelling 23,000 miles around the planet from Muscat to Muscat.  Al Busadi will join professional French sailors Loik Gallon (skipper) and Thierry Duprey and British sailors Charles Darbyshire and Nick Houchin.

The Oman Sail project was officially launched today in Muscat, by Her Excellency, The Minister of Tourism Dr Rajhia bint Abdulamir bin Ali. The project is already a success this year in terms of supporting the marketing of Oman as one of the few remaining unspoilt destinations.  Her Excellency explained: “Oman Sail is a long term initiative created to inspire a new generation of young Omanis to take up sailing as recreation and as competitive sport, to restore Oman’s maritime eminence through competing at international level, as well as supporting the development of events to support professional sailing in the Arabian Peninsula.”