New sponsor for Majan

Sidney Gavignet's 105ft trimaran receives backing from Oman Air

Oman Air has been announced as a sponsor of Oman Sail’s Arabian 100 racing yacht, Majan. Majan is to compete in this autumn's Route du Rhum, skippered by experienced Volvo Ocean Race sailor, Sidney Gavignet.

For the Route du Rhum, Majan will be branded in Oman Air’s colours. This branding will boost Oman Air’s brand awareness in the European market, building on Oman Air’s services to France, Germany, and the UK. From September 2009, Oman Air began direct flights between Paris and Muscat. The sponsorship aligns Oman Air, Oman Sail and the Ministry of Tourism’s marketing strategies in Europe, with all three taking an active role in the Route du Rhum project.

‘With Oman Air’s on-going initiatives in promoting Oman as a unique destination throughout Europe, our sponsorship of the Route de Rhum blends well with our efforts to both position Oman as a destination of choice and Oman Air as an exclusive brand among our target market in France," said Peter Hill, CEO of Oman Air. "The timing of the event coincides perfectly with France’s premier travel trade show (Top Resa) which takes place towards the end of September, giving Oman Air, Oman Sail and the Ministry of Tourism the perfect opportunity to actively promote Oman as a business, trade and tourism destination.”

According to the Route du Rhum organisers, the race is held second in popularity to the FIFA World Cup by the French Media. The race start will have around 250,000 spectators along the coast. Majan will compete against six other mega trimarans in a fleet of around 70 boats starting in Saint Malo, France and crossing the Atlantic to Guadeloupe.

David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail said “We are delighted to have Oman Air as Majan’s sponsor as she will symbolise Oman’s vitality and innovation as she competes in one of the most prestigious and challenging offshore races in the world. Within the Sailing fraternity, we have spent two years promoting Oman as a destination. This is now amplified with Oman Air on board.”