Croatian sailing ship to host World cup fans in Doha

Croatian ship ‘Golden Horizon’, the largest square-rigged sailing ship in the world, will be arriving in Qatar to host Croatian fans throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. This was announced by the Croatian Business Council (CBC) through a press statement Sunday. The council said it is executing the project in an effort to promote Croatian culture and tourism, and to showcase their love for sport and the national team.Croatia had finished runners-up in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.Inspiration for the ‘Golden Horizon’ initiative came from 2019 when the Qatari Fath Al Khair dhow sailed to Croatia in order to promote the World Cup, said Omar Saciragic, project director at CBC."We want to use this opportunity to thank the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Discovery Qatar, Qatar Tourism and Doha Port officials, who made it possible to showcase our ship in a prime location in the heart of Doha Port. This project is a testament to a great relationship between our two countries and we hope that this will only serve to strengthen our bilateral ties," said Mario Lozancic, president of the Croatian Business Council in Qatar.The five-masted barque is based on 'France II', a legendary square-rigged tall ship built in 1913. "We’ve been inspired by history’s magnificent Tea Clippers and Cape Horners, and added our own contemporary twist," the ship's website says.The clipper is 162m long and 18.5m wide. It has five masts with 36 cross sails with a total area of 6,347sqm, according to information available on the CBC Qatar website (https://www.cbcqatar.com/news/golden-horizon-croatian-fans-on-the-largest-square-rigged-sailing-ship-in-the-world-on-world-cup-qatar-2022)."First-class service, top-notch dining and elegant cabins, all with a sea view as part of the luxurious experience on board. 'Golden Horizon' will be docked in a premium location in the heart of Doha Port," the website adds.Different packages will be available for clients and their full details, along with the cabin types and deck plan, and information on registration can be obtained from the ship's website at https://goldenhorizon.qaThe ship includes the Gallery Deck, where one can find a library, boutique (which sells everything - from essentials to high-end sunglasses, binoculars and designer clothing), guest services and a dining room, etc. On the Marina deck, one will find the ship’s gateway to the ocean – the marina platform, which opens just above the water at the stern. From here, guests can explore the underwater destination with the ship’s scuba diving equipment, or borrow snorkels to watch the marine wildlife from the surface.The marina is also the hub for complimentary watersports equipment, and it also houses a spa and a gym.