Super Sunday caps first ever America's Cup in Oman

Date

3/7/2016 6:07:36 PM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Sensational racing set to a backdrop of Oman's stunning coastline rounded off the inaugural Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Oman on Sunday as Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR team snatched victory.

The first-ever America's Cup event to be held in the Middle East was hailed a storming success by sailors and spectators alike following two days of intense battle in Muscat.

The world's media descended on the Omani capital for the first Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series event of 2016 and expectations were high for an exciting event.

The arrival in Oman on Thursday of the America's Cup trophy sailing's oldest prize was marked with a grand welcoming ceremony at Muscat International Airport.

It is the first time the trophy also known as the 'Auld Mug' has ever visited the Middle East in the 165-year history of the America's Cup.

And after two days of nail-biting action under Muscat's blue skies that saw Land Rover BAR claim a dramatic last-minute victory the first ever Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Oman was given a resounding thumbs up.

Sir Ben Ainslie praised Oman as a world-class venue and also commended Oman Sail's work to reignite the country's maritime heritage and inspire youngsters to take up the sport. "We've had a great weekend of racing here in Oman - it's always a pleasure to come here" said four-time Olympic gold medallist Ainslie.

Glenn Ashby skipper of overall series leaders Emirates Team New Zealand was in agreement with his rival as to the top-notch sailing Muscat dealt out.

"It was fantastic sailing today and yesterday here in Oman" he added. "We had some tricky shifty breeze and the racing was really close. As a team we've really enjoyed coming here to Oman - the racing has been brilliant and so has the hospitality. We've had a great time and hopefully we'll be back here again in the future."

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