Sailing at Mussanah

Sailing Camp at Mussanah for Bear...CHECK!

A lovely couple of days away at the Millenium Resort in Mussanah. It was really quiet, there were only a couple of families (us being one) and a few individuals, plus a week-long training course contingent. A few military bods were at the pool but that was it. There was never more than five people at the pool when I was there.

There were two infinity pools plus a long one. The pools and sunloungers looked out on to the Gulf of Oman and I thought it was the BEST! I love being near the sea, it puts me in such a good space. I read and relaxed and thought and listened to music.

 Anyway, the MAIN reason we were there was obviously not to still my state of mind or remind myself what relaxing is about! Bear had a two day sailing course to reach her Level 1 dinghy sailing certificate. She had a great time and loved it, she really took to it.

The details on Omansail's website about the sailing facilities is geared very much to Omanis. But this really was to to establish a well-trained, fit and able national team. Just reading from their school history page on their site, it was a pretty rigourous selection and training prodecure but they have had some great competitions. From their site;

Our sailing programmes introduce young Omanis to the sport, sometimes for the first time. Sailing - even at a very basic level - combines physical exercise, mental stimulation and teamwork to provide increased self-confidence.

But it goes on to offer a great point and justification why the programme was originally for Omanis, and I think this is the best reason;

Then by creating a renaissance in Oman's maritime heritage, and giving the youth real practical experience of it, we are reconnecting the young to their own history in a much more direct way than a history lesson ever could.

I love this attitude. I've always said that what appeals greatly to me about Oman, is that the country has been allowed to maintain its identity, which fundamentally is still deep-rooted in its history. It's great they are doing all they can to maintain it.

Anyway, I digress. Bear was taking part in the summer sailing camp that was happening over June and July. 35/OR for a 2-day course. And we got a great deal on the hotel too with no need to use the Entertainer vouchers!

Bear was with three other kids, with one instructor, Caroline. On the second day I took some photos and videos. Her first run out after lunch was not great at all! She is uncannily (some may say scarily/worryingly) like me. She was making a run out around the safety boat but it just was not working. Caroline would throw words of encouragement and instruction out to her and Bear would frantically cry back "I'M TRYING!!" and "IT'S NOT WORKING!!" She came back in crying tears of anger. I gave her the 'you're only learning' talk, not realising what the issue had been. All it took was for Caroline to call her over and tell her gently that the rudder wasn't down fully... So that's why it was so hard to tiller the dinghy! Poor thing!

So she's loving learning to sail and Pops went out with BH for 40 minutes and enjoyed it more that he thought so more sailing holidays on the cards, it seems!

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New things to the summer list though:

• Alter campervan curtains.
• Redo camper wheelcover.