muscat guest information
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Guest Information Pack Extreme Sailing Series™
www.extremesailingseries.com
Act 2 Muscat20 - 22 March 2014
The Extreme Sailing Series™ attracts the world’s most elite sailors - Olympians, World Champions, record
holders and round the world sailors - who race against each other on identical 40ft high speed catamarans
on a global circuit spanning the Middle East, Australasia and Europe. The Extreme Sailing Series™ is the original ‘Stadium Racing’ circuit designed for
spectators, delivering high-performance action close to shore, bringing racing right in front of the
spectators and our VIP guests.
The Series offers a unique hospitality experience to our guests who can actually join a professional race crew to sail in the Guest Sailor spot and experience an adrenalin-fueled ride of their life, in the heart of
the action.
ONE OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE AND ENTERTAINING GLOBAL SPORTING EVENTS
The Extreme Club is the heart of the Extreme Sailing Series™ village where sailing teams and guests congregate throughout the Act. The lounge and terrace overlook the racecourse giving the best vantage point for our guests to enjoy the ‘Stadium Racing’ just metres away.
Much more than a usual day of corporate hospitality, the Extreme Sailing Series™ offers an award-winning guest experience, with 93% of our guests surveyed saying it was one of the top three events they had ever attended.
Guests can sail onboard with the teams during racing, join a chase boat to follow the fleet, go behind the scenes with a ‘pit tour’ of the technical area or simply enjoy the comforts of the Extreme Club where they can directly watch the action from the terrace.
THE VIP EXPERIENCE
The Guest Sailor spot is a unique hospitality opportunity for your important VIPs to be part of the racing experience, something that amazes even the most pampered corporate guests. Being onboard a carbon racing machine and flying a hull whilst sitting next to some of the world's greatest sailors as they battle it out to win is not something you easily forget, even if you are not a sailor.
THE BEST SEAT IN SPORT
GUEST SAILOR
Muscat, the Capital of Oman, lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman, with the Tropic of Cancer passing south of the area.
Low-lying white buildings typify most of Muscat’s urban landscape, while the port-district of Muttrah, with it’s corniche and harbour, form the north-eastern periphery of the city.
Muscat’s economy is dominated by trade. The more traditional exports of the city include dates, mother of pearl and fish.
Arabic is the predominant language of the city, however English, Balochi, Swahili and South Asian languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil and Urdu are all spoken by residents.
Islam is the predominant religion of the city.
MUSCAT
EXTREME CLUB ADDRESS
Almouj Golf, 18th November St, Muscat, Oman
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT MUSCAT
Weather‣ Muscat has a hot, arid climate with long and very hot summers and warm ‘winters’. Forget wearing jeans or
other ‘heavy’ clothes, and bring light and breathable garments. (See ‘safety on your day’ page.)‣ Temperatures in March are on average between 20 and 28 Degrees Celsius.
Clothing‣ For cultural reasons, it is important to follow the strict custom of covering up when in public. Ladies must
wear garments which cover their legs and arms up to elbows.
Time Difference‣ Oman is UTC +4.
Phone Area Code‣ +968
Currency‣ Oman uses the Omani Rial (OMR).‣ 1GBP = OMR 0.63 // 1EUR = OMR 0.52 // 1CHF = OMR 0.43 // 1USD = OMR 0.38‣ 1OMR = GBP 1.57 // 1OMR = EUR 1.90 // 1OMR = CHF 2.33 // 1OMR = USD 2.59
Electricity‣ Type ‘G’ British BS1363, 220 - 240 volts.
MUSCAT - AIRPORT & CITY MAP
Extreme Club at the Almouj Golf
Muscat airport
Technical Areaat The Wave
Holiday InnHotel
Chedi Hotel
Taxis from Muscat International Airport can be found outside the arrivals hall.
Payment can be made before the ride at the taxi counter outside of arrivals (credit card accepted).
They have a convenient fare chart for major hotels and the cost is usually under OMR 10 for the 20-mile (32km) ride to the city centre. A taxi ride from the
airport to The Almouj Golf takes about 10 minutes and costs around 8 OMR.
MUSCAT - EVENT MAP
Extreme Club and Race Village
Almouj Golf entrance
Technical AreaRace Course
Event car park
The Extreme Club and public Race Village are located at Almouj Golf, 8 minutes drive from Muscat
International Airport.
The racing area will be between holes 9 and 18 which makes a fantastic backdrop for our second Act of the
Series.
Car parking is available next to the Extreme Club on a strictly first come first served basis.
10.00 Guests arrive at the Extreme Club
10.30-12.30 Morning Sailing onboard an Extreme 40
12.30-14.30 Buffet Lunch served in the Extreme Club
14.00-17.00 Stadium Racing
17.00 Drinks Reception
19.00 Prizegiving Ceremony - Saturday only
19.00 Extreme Club closes
Stadium Racing, approximately 6 - 8 races per day, each race usually lasts 15 - 20 minutes. This keeps the action fast paced and spectator interest high.
Timings subject to change.
GUEST EVENT SCHEDULE
‣ The dress code during your day at the Extreme Sailing Series™ is casual as guests may be sailing; jeans or shorts and a polo shirt are appropriate. Alternatively, if you wish to wear chinos and a jacket you would not feel out of place.
‣ You will be able to leave any small bags in lockers in the changing room during sailing.
Sailing Clothing
‣ Rubber soled shoes (no black soles) e.g. trainers, sailing shoes or boots, must be worn onboard the boat. It is likely you will get wet, so please bring with you a change of clothes and a towel. You will be able to leave any bags with items you do not wish to get wet with the shore team and they will be ready to pick up after your sail. We will provide you with full waterproof clothing and safety gear whilst you are on the water.
‣ Although we will be hoping for some great weather, it is worth noting that it can get cold out on the water, so even on a sunny day please bring warm clothing (e.g. fleece or jumper) with you. It is also worth packing sunglasses and sun cream.
Please also bring any medical items you may require i.e. inhalers.
During the day, your safety will be the priority of your skipper, crew and shore team. If for any reason conditions are compromising to personal safety, the days schedule will be altered. Guests will be equipped with safety equipment which should be worn at all times whilst on the water.
SAFETY ON YOUR DAY
Important things to note:
‣ Immigration requires 6 months left on your passport for entry into Oman.
‣ Oman offers VISAs on arrival to citizens of List 1 countries: North America, UK, EU, South Africa and some Asian & South American Citizens. When arriving at Muscat Airport these nationalities will be able and required to buy a VISA from the Tele desk before queuing to go through passport control. You can buy the VISA with GBP (£) Euro (€) or Omani Rials.
‣ Regardless of the currency you MUST pay in cash. Debit and Credit cards will not be accepted.
‣ If you are staying in Oman for less than 10 days (travel days included), you should ask for a short VISA (5 OMR - £10) which is cheaper than a normal tourist VISA (20 OMR - £38).
‣ It is advised that you travel to Oman with some cash however there is an ATM inside the arrivals entrance if you are not carrying cash.
‣ The queue to get a VISA can be very long so a quick departure off the plane is advised.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
There is no public transport in Oman, so the only way to get around town is renting a car or by taxi.
When ordering a taxi at your hotel reception, ensure you set the price with the taxi driver before you leave. As an example, from The Chedi to Grand Hyatt (about 10k) it should cost 5OMR.
Car Rental Companies:
BUDGET+968 24 68 3999www.budgetoman.com
AVIS +968 24 40 0888www.avisoman.com
TRAVEL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Muscat is home to a number of fantastic hotels. Below are three we would recommend:
Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb 4* (Currently a dry Hotel) Located 7 minutes from the Extreme Club, this hotel is perfectly located for the Extreme Sailing Series™ Address: Al Mawaleh South, Muscat 130 Website: www.holidayinn.com Tel: +968 22 080555 The Chedi 5*Located 20 minutes from the Extreme Sailing Series™ by car, The Chedi is a beautiful hotel located in the midst of central MuscatAddress: North Ghubra 32, Way No 3215, Box 964 Al Khuwair Website: www.ghmhotels.com/en/chedi-muscat-oman Tel: +968 24 524400
Ramada Hotel 4*Located in the heart of Muscat’s diplomatic district within a couple of minutes of the Qurum beach and just 20 minutes from the Muscat International Aiport and 20 minutes from the Extreme Sailing Series™ venue. Address: P. C. 112, Ruwi Sultanato dell’Oman, Oman Website: http://www.ramadamuscat.com Tel: +968 2460 3555
Muscat offers a large variety of cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Below are three we would recommend:
Kargeen CafeOffers a lovely local atmosphere, traditional food and best pizza in town. Note is a dry Cafe!Address: Al Bashair St, Muscat Tel: +968 9933 2323
Safari Rooftop All you can eat and drink. Offers great food/meat and a lovely atmosphereAddress: The Grand Hyatt 5*, Shatti Al Qurm, Muscat Tel: +968 24 641234
The ChediRenowned fine dining restaurantAddress: North Ghubra 32, Way No. 3215, Box 964 Al Khuwair, Muscat Tel: +968 24 524400
RESTAURANT OPTIONS
MUSCAT BY APP
Useful applications
See Muscat: A comprehensive listing of all the very best that the city of Muscat has to offer. All aspects of life in Muscat are covered in detail from the latest restaurants, places to stay and visit and shopping.
Time Out Muscat: A quarterly visitors’ guide for Oman, featuring restaurant reviews, attraction previews, hotel profiles, spa guides, art gallery tours, things to do and much more.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!www.extremesailingseries.com/guestexperience
CONTACTSusie WalkerCommercial [email protected]
CONTACTKatie AnderssonGuest Experience [email protected]
CONTACT