MANAMA Oman’s fledgling sailing stars will get the chance to measure their progress over the last 12 months when they take part in the Al Bareh International Regatta in Bahrain from June 25-29, a press release said.

The 2013 Bahrain regatta, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has attracted a large field from across the GCC region. But this year, there is representation from 12 nations including Holland, Germany, Denmark and South Africa as many teams are looking to get on-location experience of the 2014 IODA Asians championship venue but also confirming its growing appeal as a popular sporting event.

Oman Sail, competing for the second year, is fielding young athletes from their Youth Programme including Laser Radial sailor Nasser Al Razqi, who will represent Oman at the ISAF Youth World Championships in Cyprus in July. In addition, five members of the Oman Optimist national squad will compete at the selection for the team to represent Oman at the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) African championship in South Africa in August.

Two of Oman’s top young sailors campaigning the smallest of the Lasers, the Laser 4.7, will also be in contention trying hard to achieve a good position over the five days of the regatta, which is scheduled to feature three races each day depending on the breeze.

This is an event to measure progress over the past 12 months, says Oman Sail Junior Race coordinator Abdul Aziz Al Shidi who will be the team leader and co-coach for Oman’s team at the event, alongside Leonardo Santos.