A healthy international presence at EFG Sailing Arabia ¬– The Tour 2014 strengthened its position as the leading long distance offshore race in the Gulf, and enhanced its appeal as a unique global event.

The success of this year’s Tour, which saw a total of six international teams and a host of regional sailors from the Middle East take part in a 15 day, 760 nautical mile race is a direct result of the reputation EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour has gained over the previous three years.
The seven-leg endurance race spanned over four countries from Bahrain to Oman and provided competitors with a fascinating offshore adventure around the spectacular Arabian Gulf peninsula. Sailors were able to take in the Arabian sailing experience while also participating in the intriguing mix of ancient traditions and modern sophistication of the region.
Starting in Manama, Bahrain EFG Sailing Arabia -The Tour held stopovers in some of the most stunning, carefully selected locations including, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Dibba, Musannah and the final, marina complex – The Wave, Muscat – the headquarters of Oman Sail. At these locations competitors were able enjoy a mix of offshore racing and short-sharp, inport races in equally-matched Farr 30s.

This combination of offshore/inshore racing gave the crews the opportunity to showcase their versatility on the racecourse, and also allowed the region’s spectators and supporters to view EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour on their home waters, working towards Oman Sail’s goal of encourage sailing across the GCC by showcasing local role models in a hope to motivate other youngsters into sailing.

The event once again attracted some of the world’s most notable sailors including Sidney Gavignet and his professional team on EFG Bank (Monaco). Forty-one-year-old Gavignet – Olympian and winning Volvo Ocean Race skipper – who put together a strong team for this event including leading French sailors Cedric Pouligny and Damien Lehl, plus two of Oman’s best sailors – Ali Al Balushi and Mohammed Al Mujaini, sailed a near faultless series to win the event overall.

The high caliber of sailors was evident as the team of sailing greats had a series of close finishes throughout he race – sometimes the difference being a mere 15 seconds. Gavignet commented on the strength of competition: “It is a great, great race with fantastic competition. Every leg we were fighting and we only ever won by a close margin."

The biggest threat to EFG Bank (Monaco) was the exceptionally strong youth contingent that included the all British Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team skippered by 21-year old Marcel Herrera, who took second overall, and the Dutch student Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft skippered by Kay Heemskerk – who finished third.

The young Europeans on Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team challenged for the lead throughout the event finishing just seconds behind EFG Bank on multiple occasions. Having just missed out on fourth place last year, skipper Herrera said a podium result was his aim. “We put in a lot of hard work training over the last six months so I am really proud of the guys because second is fantastic for us. We will be back for sure and we'll do everything we can to promote the Tour because it is a seriously great event.”

Kay Heemskerk and his team of Dutch students on Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft were another team focused on a podium result. They finished fourth last year but like Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team, they proved that by focusing on intense training in the lead up to the 2014 event, they were able to deliver the result they were looking for – a podium position. They also won the final 20-mile leg of the event beating EFG Bank (Monaco) by just 15 seconds. Heemskerk commented: “That was an absolute highlight of the event and a fantastic note to finish on. For sure we’ll be back next year to continue where we left off.”

Speaking of the fight to the finish line on the final race, Khalil Abu Jaber, Marina Manager Al Mouj Marina said, “It was first class action as we saw Team EFG Bank (Monaco) and Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft battle it out on the water. Both teams put on an excellent performance and demonstrated the high caliber of sailing that The Tour demands. Once again we were thrilled to work with Oman Sail on this event and to celebrate with all the teams for a job well done.”

Katie Pettibone – veteran of three America’s Cup teams and two around the world races – and fellow American Liz Baylis, led the all-girl team, which included three local Omani girls, on Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat.

Al -Thuraya Bank Muscat sailed a really strong series and missed a podium position by the narrowest of margins but they were thrilled with the team’s performance. Pettibone commented: “It was great to see the team gel and improve on a daily basis, and for them to be able to see that the results of their hard work payoff. Whether they continue to race or work in other fields, they will know success is within their grasp.”
David Graham, Oman Sail CEO was delighted with overall success of the event and particularly pleased to welcome such a high caliber fleet to the 2014 event: “I was pleased to see such a good mix of youth, women, regional and professional sailors develop into a highly competitive, international fleet throughout the Tour. I believe that this has really strengthened the image of the event and hopefully put the Middle East on the map as a prime international yachting location. We look forward to welcoming back many of the sailors next year.”

For more information on the race please visit: www.sailingarabiathetour.com