Qatar Sports International (QSI) and Tracy Edwards MBE has announced the first ever global sailing challenges to start and finish in the Middle East.

This announcement was made in conjunction with the official signing of the contracts by HE Sheikh Jassim Bin Thamer Al Thani and Tracy Edwards MBE. The signing of the contact by both parties marks the beginning of a whole new era in International Sailing.

The Oryx Cup and The QUEST are two Global Formula 1 Sailing Events designed for the fastest and most advanced sailing vessels in the world and the events will start and finish in Doha – Qatar.

The announcement also included Edwards’ desire to find a Qatari sailor and she launched the official ‘Search for a Sailor’ initiative.

Edwards said: “I hope not only to bring investment, exposure and two global events – but also the opportunity to bring Qatari sailors to the fore and extend this into the international sailing arena. By finding Qatari sailing talent and working with them, we hope the first Qatari Round-the-World yachtsperson will be part of our events.

“The £38 million four year sailing programme will provide a bridge for foreign investment and businesses that wish to broaden their commercial interests within Qatar.”

Maiden Ocean Racing Qatar will be spending £18 million on the two events through international partnerships which will bring even further investment into the country.

In addition to QSI, the events organisers have already started working with a number of other key Qatari organisations. Edwards unveiled the initial designs by William Asprey of William & Son, the renowned London jewellers, for the Oryx Cup, Edwards spoke about her hopes of working with local educational organisations to design the award for courage – this initiative on its own will give a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with William Asprey, and his much acclaimed design team, for the winning designer.