The pressure created by both the conditions and some stern competition was taking its toll on Oman's The Wave, Muscat who dropped down to second place in the leaderboard after yet another frustrating day of Extreme Sailing Series racing in Singapore.
After 11 races today (Friday), the Oman-backed crew were in second place, trailing Alinghi by nine points after what Omani sailor Musab Al Hadi described as "one of the most difficult days we've had in the Extreme Sailing Series" contending with unpredictable winds and a day long tussle with Swiss team Alinghi.
"It was getting extremely hard as the points gap with Alinghi crew," said Musab.
"The winds were still really shifty and it was another very light day. We started well and then just dropped down as Alinghi kept pushing. We still have two more days and we're going to keep pushing as hard as we can."
Their same was echoed by Hashim Rashdi, the second Omani in the crew.
"Singapore is a great venue but it's really shifty and with the overcast conditions the breeze goes up and down. Today was a really hard day, really shifty, and Alinghi pushed us hard but there's still two days to go. Alinghi's a really strong team, especially with Morgan – we know him from last year and once again he proves just how good a sailor he is."
Skipper Leigh McMillan was not surprised to be fending off the challenge from Alinghi, which is being helmed in Act 2 by Morgan Larsen, the former skipper of Oman Air who finished second in 2012.
"It's absolutely no surprise that Morgan is the guy giving us a hard time," said McMillan.
"I said it in the press conference that he is one of the top sailors in the world for sure and this kind of racing really fits his mentality. He is a relaxed kind of guy and relishing the opportunity to be helming again on Alinghi who let's not forget were Americans Cup winners and one of the best teams in the business. They are hot competition and will be difficult to beat."
The dip in performance was nothing to do with making errors, he added. It was more about staying patient in the fluky winds.
"It was a long day. We started racing at 0830 this morning we were hoping for some better breeze this morning and get some fair racing in , but it didn't really happen and we spend a lot for time today racing in very random conditions which is very punishing when you're not necessarily making any mistakes so it can get very frustrating.
"But we managed not to throw it away completely today and are still in the game. We just have to carry on tomorrow with a more relaxed approach and make the best of the tricky conditions here. If we get a few good races under our belt then maybe we will start paying more attention to Morgan and make life harder for him."
Off the water, the synergy between Oman and Singapore seem to go hand in hand with both countries developing major plans for using sport as a platform for growth. Singapore's Vision 2030, a joint project led by the Singapore Sports Council and the The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Like Oman Sail's ground-breaking initiative, to which it bears a marked resemblance, Vision 2030 was designed to help maintain Singapore's social integrity and economic strength. In the same way that Oman Sail uses the power of sport to contribute the the development of Omani people and sailing to foster Oman's socio-economic development, Singapore's Vision 2030 lays out a plan for sport to help overcome the challenges of an ageing poulation, increased economic competition both regional and international, and growing diversity within society. A synergy that highlights both Oman and Singapore' commitment into developing the youth through sports.
With no more morning races sccheduled for tommorow (Saturday), large weekend crowds are expected to visit the Extreme Sailing Series race village on its third day at Marina Bay where the public can enjoy a great event and watch the racing between 3-7pm
