As Doha prepares for the National Day celebrations that is due on the 18th December, purple flags are spotted all over the city bringing a joyful flavor to the streets, but a couple of hundred feet from shore, conditions were far too frustrating, as unfavorable weather conditions continued to the second day and the frustrated sailors have been facing a tough challenge against the light winds.
It was a game of tactics and luck for Oman’s Ahmed Al Wihiabi who started the day on a high note leading the Laser standards fleet. But as the teams came round the last buoy, Ahmed faced a misfortune to find himself in a dead wind zone, and was forced to just watch the other teams just swing by and sail away including his team mate Ahmed Al Mashari who finished fifth leaving Al Wihabi to cross the line in the seventh place.
As the teams stood by waiting for the start of the second race, the winds continued to die off completely forcing the race committee to cancel the second race and bring the second day to an end.
A day of misfortune for the Omanis, yet still, the Omani teams have managed to secure their position in mid-fleet which still qualifies them for a podium finish which will be held on December 19.
17 year old Mohammed Al Mashari is currently fifth overall in Laser 4.7 and has a good chance of climbing to the top if wind favours.
Similarly Ahmed Al Wihaibi is in the fifth place in Laser Standard with 22 points and Ahmed Al Mashari closing the gap in the sixth place just 4 point shy of his teammate.
National Sailing Team Manager, Rashid Al Kindi commenteds “"Since the very first day, the coach's main direction was for the sailors to follow all what they have learned from their training camps and previous regattas that the boys have undergone and excelled all year long in preparation for the Arab Games. So far, our sailors have shown good skills on water and avoided any major mistakes." He added "The winds have not been too favorable and canceling the second race today could affect the teams from getting more points but if our boys continoue get consistent results and build on their performance, they could certainly climb up the podium. I wish them good and stronger winds and wish them all the best in their upcoming races."ccq
“The Omani team will be hoping for more windy conditions and race for more points to finish the Arab Games on a high. With more remaining in sailing, Oman still has a chance to pick a medal.
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