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SINGAPORE: The Jewel Of Muscat dhow, which has travelled more than 1,454 kilometres (960 miles) from Muscat, has around 805 kilometres (500 miles) to go.
If current winds hold up, she could be in her first port at Cochin, India in a week's time.
The dhow set sail from Muscat on February 16 for Singapore, where it will be given to the people of Singapore as a gift from the Sultanate of Oman.
Following old trading routes, the Jewel of Muscat is stopping in Cochin, India, as well as Sri Lanka and Malaysia on a journey that will take approximately seven months.
According to Oman Sail, it has taken about four weeks to sail from Muscat to Cochin.
While she is berthed in India, she will be taken out of the water for a full hull inspection, and any necessary repairs.
It will also be given a new coat of anti-fouling.
Singapore Foreign Service Officer Jeff Khoo is on the first leg of the sail (from Muscat) to Cochin.
The dhow will then set sail for Galle in Sri Lanka, a journey of approximately two weeks.
According to the crew, the highlight this week was a rare sighting of a blue whale.
They also saw dolphins swimming alongside the boat at night, creating a strange glow in the water.
In his log on the ship's website Captain Saleh Al Jabri wrote: "The crew of the Jewel of Muscat is healthy and is working well together. Everyone has their special role to play and they are functioning as a good team.
"The demands of life on board a small ship are great - conditions are very cramped, water is limited, and the weather is turning quite hot, especially below decks.
"But I am proud that everyone is getting along well and helping each other as much as possible. Ahmed, our cook, is doing an excellent job keeping all of us well-fed. But sadly, we are still waiting to catch some fresh fish."
Preparations are now underway in Cochin for the ship's arrival.
These include an Omani dance troupe, a show by the Indian Centre for Cultural Relations and a seminar on Indo-Oman Maritime relations.
- CNA/yb
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