Paul Standbridge
Position: Skipper
Age: 51
From: England, UK

“I’m very happy, relaxed and excited to be skippering Majan on this new adventure round the Indian Ocean 5 Capes spreading the word and showcasing Oman Sail”

Paul Standbridge learnt to sail in Poole Harbour, England, when he was only four and has evolved into one of yachting’s natural leaders. His leadership skills and deliverance commands great respect, commitment and dedication by his crew and all this without raising his voice. He worked with teams like the Americas Cup success story, Shosholoza, and now the new offshore team at Oman Sail. Standbridge’s record includes 13 Fastnet races, five Whitbread Round The World Races and an experience as bowman of the British America’s Cup campaign in 1987.

He is married to Nicky and has a little boy named Max. When he’s not sailing, this complete sportsman enjoys skiing and moutain biking.

Mohsin Al Busaidi
Position: Crew
Age: 34
From: Al Khoud, Oman

“I’m looking forward to sailing with another Omani on board (Mohammed Al Ghailani) and sharing the experience with him.”

A Petty Officer in the Sultan of Oman’s Navy, Mohsin hails from Al Khoud near Muscat and is a qualified Hobie 16 instructor. He shot to fame when he became the first ever Arab to sail non-stop around the world in March last year, taking just 76 days. This voyage has changed and shaped his world. He has become a confident sailor with high respect for the sea. Mohsin has been presented with a medal of honour by his Excellency Sayyid Ali Al Busaidi for his success. He has participated in the Dubai-Muscat yacht race 9 times and twice in the Muscat local PDO Recreation Club races. He also took first place in the last Muscat Festival sailing competition. He is devoted to his wife, Sarah, and his nephews and nieces and never happier than when he is spending time with them. Mohsin’s ambition is to sail non-stop around the world, more than once! He looks forward to the day Oman can field an Olympic Sailing Team.

Mohammed al Ghailani
Position: Crew
Age: 26
From: Sur, Oman

“I’m filled with anticipation when I think of this journey before me, but I am totally committed to it and won’t give in to my fear” 

Mohammed al Ghailani joined Oman Sail through the recruitment drive after hearing about it from a friend. His father encouraged him to change career and, like his grandfather before him, he turned to the sea. Since his decision to leave his engineering career behind him, he has learnt to sail and work within this busy team. When it’s time to carry out work up the 35m mast, Mohammed is the man for the job. He will not tell you he likes h

Mark Covell
Position: Media Crew
Age: 42
From: Scotland, UK

“As a professional sailor turned media crew, I’m looking forward to telling the story of this voyage as it plays out before us”

Mark Covell grew up in and around sailing as his father ran a sailing club on the English South Coast. Dyslexia shaped his school life, leading to him concentrate heavily on other life skills and a qualification that didn’t require reading and writing. Windsurfing, Sailing and working with his hands seamed to be the natural direction. He has always enjoyed photography so when he had a chance to join the crew in the Volvo Ocean Race as on board media man, he leapt at it. Mark Covell sailed with Team Russia in the 2008 Volvo Ocean Race; he won the BBC Sports Awards Team Trophy in 2000 and the Olympic Silver medal with Ian Walker. He is 2m tall and describes himself as “Not small”. He has had a great life through sailing and hopes his young family follows him into the marine world. He has a 10-year old daughter named Emily and a - very tall - 3-year old son named Freddie. He is married to a very understanding wife who on the whole puts up with his mad ideas and projects.

Thierry Douillard
Position: Watch Leader
Age: 37
From: France

Thierry Douillard is a highly accomplished sailor. As a young man he sailed dinghies and keelboats to a very high level winning many French Championships in different classes. He prides himself on the wide variety of classes and disciplines he sails today - whether it’s close in shore one-on-one Match racing with Peter Gilmour or swinging a multihull down on Banque Covefi. But he’s quick to point out that many other things make him tick, like spending time in the French Alps with his wife walking, climbing and skiing. Having been part of K Challenge in the 32nd Americas Cup, he speaks passionately about his love of sailing at the highest level. When not on the water, he takes on more academic challenges.  He was part of the brains trust behind the weather routing team of Thomas Coville’s maxi trimaran Sodeb’O record attempt. Thierry is a quiet self assured young Frenchman whose passion for the sport and massive experience will be invaluable aboard Majan.

Michael Giles
Position: Watch Leader
Age: 36
From: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

“It’s all about excitement and firsts; first time in Oman, first time sailing Majan, first time this 5 Capes course has been sailed”

Iron man, project manager man, sailing man and good wine loving man are just a few attributes that leap out from this confident young South African from Port Elizabeth. His excitement over being in Muscat, working with Oman Sail and sailing Majan down to Cape Town is contagious. Michael developed a passion for windsurfing that culminated in finishing 2nd in the Windsurfing World Festival in 1991 in Monelo, Italy. Moving back to big boats, he was invited to join Shosholoza for the 32nd Americas Cup. As a South African this was an amazing honour to be part of the nations first Americas Cup challenge. Michael is now involved in project managing large technical boat builds and is working on producing some of the world’s most innovative multihulls coming out of South Africa.