2025.11.10. - Newness
Background information
Last December (in 2024) the Royal Navy of Oman offered Sail Training International that in November 2025 they were inviting 20 trainees, aged between 18 and 23 at the time of the voyage, to participate in an international sail training voyage on board their sail training vessel Shabab Oman II, alongside some Omani university students in the same age range.
No previous sailing experience was required and ideally the voyage should be made available to young people who had not previously received an Oman Bursary. The voyage was taken place between 24th November and 3rd December 2025 in local Oman waters and, due to the sleeping quarters on board Shabab Oman II, 14 male and 6 female trainees could to take part.
On 3rd December, when the voyage was be completed, the trainees were invited to attend a celebration in Muscat for the presentation of the Sultan Qaboos Trophy 2025.
S.A.L.T. Hungary also applied for the STI call for proposals, and to our great delight, our NSTO member Botond Bálint won. Botond is a third-year student at Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. He uses 3 languages (Hungarian, Romanian and English). As university student he is member of the Hungarian minority in Romania. He has sailing experiences from 2022, member of Sailingpass Yachting Club and Sailingpass Racing Team.
Botond's experience report
"I arrived at Muscat International Airport on the 17th of November, where the Training Officer (TO) and the Safety Officer (SO) were waiting for me. They escorted me to the ship, but before that, they kindly bought me food from a local fast-food restaurant, which was a very thoughtful gesture. I was the first trainee to arrive, and the following day all remaining participants joined. My roommates were the following: Swedish, Australian, and 3 Omanis.
In total, there were 19 international trainees from 18 different countries and 16 Omani trainees. Experiencing so many cultures, habits, and personalities coming together on one sailing ship was truly unique. With 54 crew members on board, there were 89 people in total during the voyage.
On the first day, we were taken to a local market and shown around the city. After that, we were issued our uniforms for the week. Everything was organized down to the smallest detail, which was expected given the military structure of the program. The next day, we motored out and anchored to prepare for the fleet review. During this event, all navy ships lined up while His Majesty the Sultan passed by on his yacht. We stood on deck, shouting “Yaeesh,” meaning “long live the Sultan,” while our ship fired a 21-cannon salute. It was an outstanding and unforgettable experience.
Following the fleet review, we sailed toward Khasab, where the real journey truly began. We were divided into four groups, each identified by a different color. The crew trained us in every aspect of the ship, including safety procedures, sails, lines, masts, anchoring, and even the engine room. The patience and professionalism of the entire crew stood out to me. From the cook to the captain, everyone was helpful, approachable, and always smiling.
The ship operated 24/7 throughout the journey. The only unfortunate aspect was the light wind conditions, and at times there was no wind at all. Aside from that, everything went smoothly. Upon arriving in Khasab, we were taken on a tour around the area. My favorite part was visiting the beach. Surrounded by stunning mountains, sandy shores, and warm water, the scenery was breathtaking. From the beach, we could even see Iraq. We spent a lot of time swimming and playing volleyball, which was intense and very fun. We nearly defeated the crew, losing by only two points. I even played football with the locals.
On the return journey, we followed the same routines, but by then we had built much stronger connections, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Every morning, we had master at either 7:00 or 8:00, followed by additional masters at 12:00 and 16:30, as well as evening rounds. During these rounds, we were responsible for cleaning the trainees’ mess, pantry, and our cabins, depending on which group was assigned. Responsibilities rotated constantly. Personally, I enjoyed the discipline, and the free time we had felt relaxed and well-balanced. For the last day in Muscat, they made us BBQ and took us on a beach with a nice little house just 10 meters away from the sea.
Next day, we attended a trophy ceremony held at the Sultan’s fort, where we were required to dress in smart casual attire. We had an amazing time, took photos, had them printed, watched the ceremony, and enjoyed an outstanding dinner afterward. I was also fortunate enough to give a short interview to Oman National Television about my experience.
After that, we traveled to Nizwa, where we stayed for two nights. We explored the city, visited two excellent museums, and enjoyed incredible meals. By this point, everyone knew each other well. It felt as though we had known one another for many years. Sharing such an intense and meaningful experience brought us together, despite coming from completely different parts of the world. I am not aware of many programs that offer such an opportunity at such a young age. The crew went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best possible experience.
We then returned to Muscat and stayed at a hotel near the airport, featuring an infinity pool overlooking the city. This was the final night of the trip, and we made the most of it. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. The farewells were heavy, especially after spending three weeks together in a completely new environment aboard a sailing ship.
The Omani crew and people were exceptional, generously sharing their knowledge of their beautiful country and their traditions. I genuinely miss the 5 a.m. prayer call. Oman is the friendliest country I have ever visited, and I am certain I will return to visit the friends and officers with whom I built strong connections.
Overall, participating in this expedition was a true blessing. The entire journey broadened my perspective on travel, human kindness, friendship, and the value of long-lasting connections. I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity aboard the Shabab Oman II sailing ship."
Botond Bálint
