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23.11.11

Podium finish from Al Wahaibi

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It was another remarkable day for Oman Sail when Ahmed Al Wahaibi secured a podium finish at the recently concluded Kingdom of Bahrain regatta Championships held from November 15 to 19.

Organised by the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association there was two categories of races — Match Racing Championship in which 13 teams from 9 countries participated — and the other which was the Fleet Racing Championships, where eight teams took part — Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Kuwait, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Oman and the host country Bahrain.
Ahmed Al Wahaibi in a cluster of nine Omani sailors stood out when he went on to claim the third spot on the podium in the Laser Standard Class.
It was the smiling Ahmed who after a long lay off due to an injury said: “I am happy with the results. The weather was good and I am glad that I was able to pick up tips from the other sailors who were on the water, by watching them I was able to develop my tactics with my coach and get the better of them, he added”
It had been almost two months since Ahmed got into the water due to an injury that he sustained but that didn’t stop him from losing his focus in bringing back home a medal
 “ I didn't really expect to win a medal but I gave it my best shot and it all came good for me by winning the eighth and final race, and that help improve my position in the scoreboard. It was not an easy race, and it is great to be sailing with some of the best sailors of our region. they have a lot of experience and talent. I have a lot of respect for my opponents and team mates, as I have learned a lot from them." Ahmed concluded.
Speaking on the spectacular show put in by the boys, Laser team Coach Mark Rhodes- Corky said: “I am pleased to see the boys performance. Ahmed in particular have shown great results despite his injury, he kept up the pressure on his opponents all the time in all the races and it was in the final race that he shot out to the front and won the race which brought him the bronze, it was a great race for him and the whole team, the coach added.”
“I am pleased by the boys performance and results throughout this year's regional and international training camps. We are optimistic as we go back to the drawing board to get ready for the upcoming Arab Games Doha 2011 which will be held in Qatar in December. However, the event will see the participation of some of the best sailors of the region. We shall continue to train hard and double our efforts as we gear up for the Games, Coach Corky concluded”.