Nakhoda Saleh bin Khamis bin Anbar Al Ghailani

Born in the Omani city of Sur in 1928 and died in . A navigator famous for his great experience in commanding ships and roaming the seas, he is considered one of the most distinguished nakhodas of Sur, with high navigational expertise and an extraordinary ability to know the maritime routes, astronomy, and the measurements of longitude and latitude and of the seas, in addition to his knowledge of the winds and their seasons. He was also distinguished by his exceptional ability and precise estimations in judging the nearness or distance of his ship from land. His first practical command came when he was accompanying his father on a voyage from India (Bombay) to Oman; his father died while they were at sea, so he commanded the ship at the age of 12. Thereafter his voyages continued for half a century, during which he visited Iraq, the Gulf states, Iran, India and East Africa. In the midst of these voyages he bought his first ship in his own name, (Nour Al Bahr), in 1934, and kept it until it broke up in 1973 while on the return voyage to Sur from a trip to Dhofar, commanded at the time by one of his sons. Owing to his long experience, he was charged by the wise government with overseeing the preparation of the sail of the ship (Sohar) in readiness for its voyage to the city of Canton in China. He also provided Tim Severin with much information and advice, drawing up for him the voyage plan of the ship Sohar, and Severin offered him a place on the voyage — but he made it a condition, despite his old age, that he command the ship and that Tim Severin be under his command. Reference: Hammoud bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Ghailani — Maritime History and Shipbuilding in the Omani City of Sur — Arabic Press — 2006