EFG International Retains Title Sponsorship of Sailing Arabia – The Tour

EFG International, the leading global private banking group, has announced it will return in 2014 as title sponsor for the fourth edition of the prestigious Sailing Arabia – The Tour, the Gulf region’s only annual long distance offshore sailing event organized by Oman Sail.

The event will again be known as “EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour ” and with the dates set for 9 to 24 February 2014, the classic 15 day, 760 nautical mile Gulf coast challenge is officially on. Contested in identical Farr 30 one-design keelboats, it will feature calls at eight world class marinas in four nations, from Bahrain to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates with the finish in Oman’s beautiful capital city, Muscat.

The 2013 edition hosted top echelon international skippers who rated the regatta among the best in the world. They included Olympian and winning Volvo Ocean Race skipper Sidney Gavignet who was at the helm of the sponsor’s campaign entry EFG Bank (Monaco); British yachtswoman Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions as skipper of the all women entry Al-Thuyara Bank Muscat; Omani Mohsin Al Busaidi, the first Arab to sail non-stop around the world and rising star and skipper of Team Abu Dhabi, Adil Khaled, who competed in the 2008 Olympic Games, the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean race.

Keith Gapp, Head of Strategy and Marketing at EFG International, said that no persuasion was needed following this year’s highly successful debut sponsorship.

“EFG sponsors a number of high profile sporting events worldwide with sailing one of our focal points; and this event is unique among them. We fully endorse Oman Sail’s commitment to youth mentoring, training and the significant strides being made to reignite the rich maritime heritage of the Gulf region.”

Welcoming the announcement David Graham, Oman Sail CEO said the continued commitment of a global sponsor like EFG International confirmed the premier status of the Tour.

“It provides a solid base for the staging of a bigger, better and even more exciting event next year with a high calibre entry from 10 to 12 of the sport’s best regional and international teams supported by the world’s most prestigious brands.”

Graham said key to the success of the event was how sponsors had recognised Sailing Arabia-The Tour as a high quality platform to present their brands and communicate with their audience. Likewise it provided a stage for the Gulf nations to showcase their countries and unique tourism potential.

“In just three years the event has established the Middle East as an exceptional international yacht racing destination with unbeatable sailing conditions, local talent grown from centuries of sailing heritage and the chance to experience a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and modern sophistication.”