On 6 October 2026, members and guests of the The British Omani Society gathered at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in London to celebrate the launch of Sailing Oman: A Yachting Guide, the first comprehensive cruising guide dedicated to the Sultanate of Oman’s coastline. The event, hosted in collaboration with Imray and the Royal Cruising Club, where guests heard from the guide’s authors, Reem Askalan and Jaoudat Kazoun, whose years of sailing, surveying and research made the publication possible. Drawing on firsthand experience navigating Oman’s waters, they shared stories from their journeys and reflected on the inspiration behind the project.
For centuries, Oman’s relationship with the sea has shaped its identity, connecting its people to trade, exploration and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean and beyond. While renowned among sailors for its striking coastline, rich marine life and dramatic landscapes, much of Oman remains relatively undiscovered by the international cruising community. Sailing Oman: A Yachting Guide opens a new window onto this remarkable maritime environment, combining practical navigation advice with insights into the history, culture and heritage of the Sultanate.
Speaking during the event, Reem, an Omani urban planner, researcher and sailor, highlighted the motivation behind documenting Oman’s maritime landscapes and celebrating the country's enduring connection to the sea. She described how a deep love for Oman and its untouched coastal beauty sustained the project from its earliest stages, with the aim of telling “the story of Oman that starts from its three seas and two monsoons.”
Jaoudat reflected on the many years spent exploring and surveying Oman’s coastline, noting that the guide was shaped not only by careful research but by countless discoveries, conversations and experiences at sea. His remarks captured both the adventure and the practical realities of navigating a coastline that remains one of the region’s most rewarding sailing destinations.
Beyond the launch of a new publication, the evening was a celebration of Oman’s maritime heritage and the growing international interest in its coastal environment. The guide offers sailors a valuable resource while also encouraging a deeper appreciation of the landscapes, traditions and communities that have been shaped by the sea for generations.
The Society extends its thanks to Imray, the Royal Cruising Club, the authors, and all those who attended and contributed to a memorable evening celebrating Oman’s rich maritime legacy and exciting future as a cruising destination.
Read More:
View this post on Instagram
Hilal Al Hashemi is the Stores Supervisor at the Oman Across the Ages Museum in Oman. In summer 2026 he participated in the British Museum’s annual International Training Programme (ITP). This is a hi... Read full story
Modal body text goes here.