(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Last year, Oman Air, skippered by Phil Robertson, delighted the home crowd when it won the unofficial world championship held in Muscat. The Oman Sail-backed entry will get another chance to prove that its title was not a splash in the pan as it along with other 2018
Extreme Sailing Series (ESS) teams will battle out against rivals from the GC32 Racing Tour at the first official GC32 World Championship at Lake Garda in Italy from May 24-27.
The world championship will witness a total of 13 teams in fray, which will battle over four days of racing that could see the high-speed foiling catamarans reach speeds of 35 knots.
It was only last year that the organisers had tried out a similar championship involving ESS boats and GC32 Racing teams.
Looking ahead to the Lake Garda event, Robertson said, 'It's one of the best spots to sail in the world. To be racing the GC32 World Championship there is a dream. Having both fleets in Garda is great as the start line will be stacked. Myself and the rest of Oman Air crew can't wait to get started.'
Robertson had earlier raced at Garda on the GC32 Tour in 2016. He added, 'You have flat water and 20-25 knots most days. It is going to be one of the coolest events we do all year.'
Along with Robertson the Oman Air crew comprises Pete Greenhalgh, James Wier-zbowski, Stewart Dodson and Omani sailor Nasser al Mashari.
Although a standalone event in itself, the GC32 World Championship is also a point-scoring round for the ESS, led currently by Swiss team Alinghi with SAP Extreme Sailing Team second. Oman Air is at third place.
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