PARIS: The vessel sailed in from Plymouth, UK, as part of a broader mission to promote Omani culture and maritime heritage across 15 countries.

Upon docking at Le Havre, Shabab Oman II received a warm welcome from His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Araimi, Oman’s Ambassador to France; Colonel Engineer Khalid bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, Military Attaché; members of the diplomatic corps; the Le Havre Sailing Festival Organizing Committee; and a large crowd of locals and enthusiasts.

The ship’s crew will actively participate in the Le Havre Sailing Festival from June 4 to 7. Activities include an official reception attended by ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, city officials, and government delegates. The crew will also join a lively street parade and engage in various sports events and beachside marine activities.

In a nod to its cultural diplomacy role, the ship will open its decks to the public, offering visitors a glimpse into Oman’s rich seafaring history. The initiative underscores the Sultanate’s mission to build international bridges through cultural exchange and to highlight its deep-rooted maritime traditions.

As part of its 2025 journey, Shabab Oman II is set to visit 30 stations across 24 seaports in 15 countries. It will participate in the prestigious international tall ships race starting from Le Havre, with key stops in Dunkirk, France; Abden, Scotland; Kristiansand, Norway; and concluding in Esbjerg, Denmark.

The ship will also take part in two major European sailing events—the Bremerhaven Sailing Festival in Germany and the Amsterdam Sailing Festival in the Netherlands.