Under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan, Chairman, UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation, the official prize giving ceremony for the second and longest leg of Sailing Arabia – the Tour yacht race took place yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club.
Attended by a host of media and VIP’s including Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Ali al-Qatabi, the Sultanate of Oman’s ambassador to the UAE, the ceremony recognized the efforts of the Sailing Arabia – the Tour crews who completed the 296 kilometre leg form Doha, Qatar to Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Friday morning.
Flags representing three different nations stood next to each other on the podium, with the French team on board Courrier Dunkerque claiming pole position, having finished leg two with a 42 minute lead over Team BAE Systems, representing the Sultanate of Oman. Team Commercialbank representing Qatar 18 minutes further back for third.
Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan presented the awards to the teams and spoke of the potential of the region for hosting international sailing events.
“Sailing Arabia – the Tour is a very interesting competition. It brings the GCC countries together through sailing and allows us to explore the sport of sailing with the GCC, especially in the Arabian Gulf.
“Sailing is part of our heritage and now it is being showcased in this modern way. We have perfect conditions for sailing here in the GCC, when it is winter in Europe we can provide a good alternative destination. I hope this will help to promote sailing in the region for many years.”
Within the confines of the Abu Dhabi corniche yesterday, the fleet impressed the gathering public crowds, with a short, sharp race taking place close to the shore, as they challenged for the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club cup. In breezy conditions, it was Omani skipper Moshin Al Busaidi and his Oman crew sailing Team Muscat 2012 that turned the tables on the professional French crews to win today’s inshore race sailed off the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club.
In a drama-filled start, the first boat to the top mark, Team Bahrain, stalled, leaving the way clear for Moshin’s crew to take the lead, a position they maintained until the finish.
Mohsin said: “We’re very excited to win a race and show our competitors that we are a very good team and to beware on future legs of the tour.”
The racing was very close with few passing opportunities. Team BAE Systems came home in second place ahead of the professional French entry Team Courrier Dunkirque who finished third.
The all-women crew onboard Al Thuraya BankMuscat were a very close fourth behind Team Commercialbank, whilst the battle in the mid-fleet was fierce with Team Renaissance holding out Team Ras Al Khaimah to claim sixth place. Team Kingdom of Saudi Arabia finished in eighth place ahead of Team Bahrain who never recovered after their error at the first mark, and sailed home at the tail end of the fleet.
Atij Saif Al Suwaidi, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club presented the awards to the top placed teams and said:
“Abu Dhabi occupies a respected position on the international map of sailing activities especially after its successful organization of the Volvo Ocean Race. We aim to increase the participation of Emirati sailors in major sailing races.
Sailing Arabia the Tour will definitely develop the skills of our sailors and will help promote the sport in the region which serves the goals and objectives of our club to promote sailing and develop young local talents. I would like also to thank Oman Sail for organizing the event and wish luck to all competitors”.
Sailing Arabia – the Tour started in Bahrain on the 13th February, and the fleet has already had to contend with a mix of challenging conditions over the first two legs. From Manama, Bahrain to Doha, Qatar the team enjoyed a quick sail with the wind behind them the whole way, in comparison to the latest leg, where they had to battle into the wind over 32 hours.
The nine-boat fleet is due to set sail at 1030 hours local time today from Abu Dhabi, as they embark on the 232 kilometre third leg to Ras Al Khaimah. A new edition to Team Ras Al Khaimah, was announced today, with 22 year old UAE national Majid Sultan al Bulushi joining the team for the remainder of the tour.
Majid said: “This is my first time sailing and I am very excited. My family and my teacher have encouraged me to get involved and I an very happy to have the opportunity. I have always had an interest in the sea.”
After Ras Al Khaimah, the fleet will head into Omani waters for the final three stops – Musandam, Mussanah and the final port in Oman’s capital, Muscat, before the tour concludes on the 27th February.
