After scoring impressive results sailing on home waters during in the Second Asian Beach Games just a year ago, Oman’s sailing team have set their sights another big challenge as they took on the Qatari waters at the start of Arab Games 2011 in Doha.
Representing Oman in the Arab Games are Ahmed Al Wahaibi and Ahmed Al Mashari in Laser Standard class, and the young Mohammed Al Mashari taking part in the Laser 4.7 class. The three sailors joined a fleet of 26 sailors from all around the Arab world and set sail with a spectacular backdrop of the city Doha; home to some of the world’s biggest sporting events.
After participating in Bahrain, Doha Germany, Singapore and Thailand the sailors have been under going rigorous training since the start of the year with the sole objective of securing good results at the Arab Games.
Challenging tricky and light wind conditions, the Omani sailors managed to secure some good results on the first day of the regatta. Despite Ahmed Al Wihaibi’s struggle in the first race crossing the line in sixth place, Al Wihaibi regained his focus and battled his way to get the third and forth places finishing the day in the forth place overall.
Teammate Ahmed Al Mashari, had a similar start but managed to finish the day just two position behind in the sixth place.
Commenting from Doha, the team’s coach Rhodes said: “You can’t win the first race but you can certainly lose it. The team had a bit of difficulty in the first race but the team continued the day with a couple of good races, the performance of the team has been good and they have had consistent results with no major mistakes. The team is currently mid fleet and these results still qualify them to get to the podium“
All eyes were on the emerging young sailor Mohammed Al Mashari in Laser 4.7 who was seen to make his mark on the first day. The 17 year old secured a second place in the first race of the day and finished forth overall among his fleet.
Praising the young sailor, coach Rhodes added: “Mohammed has done a fantastic job. He is quick learner and picking up very fast. This is Mohammed’s only forth regatta and you can see his level of determination, battling his way throughout the race from start to finish. Today was a good start and we still have nine races to go, plenty to play for."
The teams are due to sail until the 19th December.
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