MUSCAT, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Arabian boats Sailing Championship (IFG 2019) kicked off in Muscat Sunday with the participation of 10 international and local teams.

The Sultanate of Oman will be hosted by Oman Sail Company from Feb. 3 to 16.

The opening ceremony of the ninth edition of the championship was held under the patronage of the Omani Minister of Sports Affairs Saad Mohammed Al-Saadi.

According to a statement to Oman sail company, the tournament will be contended by teams Julve de Morbihan, Beja Fleur, Bjolit Chamni, Maud, CAR Geneva, Sevlutej, EFG Monaco, DB Schenker, Team Al-Omania Shipping Company, and the Omani Renaissance.

The statement said that the competition will be held on five rounds and will continue along the Omani coasts from the port of Bandar al-Rawdah in the capital Muscat on the north, through the cities of Sur and Ras al-Hadd, Masirah Island, and finally in Salalah city, 1,000km south of Muscat.

In the race on Sunday, the team of Julve de Morbihan led the race, followed by the team Bjolit Chamni in second place, while the third placed team is Maud.

The second day of the same round will be held in the coastal races towards the Muttrah area on Monday.