The sponsorship takes the national carrier to a higher, enhanced level.

Oman Sail has had significant success in the Extreme Sailing Series over the last two years.

Wayne Pearce, chief executive officer of Oman Air, said: “We have been truly impressed by the visibility the Oman Sail events have generated. We hope to entice the sailing and marine sport communities and fans across the event venues to try the superior Oman Air experience and the uniqueness of Oman.”

Having attracted over 287,000 spectators in 2011, in addition to millions of media viewers and listeners, the Extreme Sailing Series brings the racing action inshore, with the format for each Act of the Series focusing on three days staged in a "stadium", open to the public and VIP guests.

This year’s series will offer eight acts across three continents, starting with Muscat, Oman, on February 28 to March 2, followed by Qingdao in China, Istanbul in Turkey, Porto in Portugal, Cardiff in Wales, United Kingdom, Trapani in Italy, Nice in France, and concluding in Brazil in November.

Oman Sail is a highly-regarded initiative that offers innovative training programs for thousands of young Omanis, inspiring a new generation to discover and enjoy sailing and reconnecting them with their maritime heritage.

For some participants, that means competing at the very highest international levels and the Extreme Sailing Series has, over the last two years, provided a great showcase for Omani sailing talent.

Oman Air has sponsored Oman Sail for the last two years, including its participation in the Extreme Sailing Series, its bid for success in the Route Du Rhum and its successful smashing of Round Britain and Ireland world records.