Nautical adventure

COMPETITORS with the wind behind their sails are taking part in EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2014 which started this week from Amwaj Marina in Bahrain.

This event, which runs until February 24, is now in its fourth year and offers 15 days of intense sailing to test the skills of not only the region’s best sailing talent, but also a selection of elite world class sailors.
 
The 760 nautical mile course spans over four countries from Bahrain to Oman, with eight of the region’s premier marinas playing host as stopover venues during the seven legs of the course.

A total of six teams representing four countries – Oman, EU, Monaco and The Netherlands – are taking part in the challenge.

American Katie Pettibone, skipper of Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat’s all women’s team, is no stranger to serious racing. As a member of three America’s Cup teams, two round the world race crews and two Sailing Arabia - The Tour teams, she hopes to improve the team’s knowledge and provide them with the skills they need for a future Omani women’s entry. Taking it seriously is what EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour is all about, and a good result is highly regarded particularly with the event’s growing reputation and pedigree as a world-class regatta.

Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team skipper, Marcel Herrera has high ambitions. “We are very confident of a podium position. With a strong crew and months of preparation we are focused on finishing in the top three.”

Oman Royal Navy skipper AbdulAziz Al Hussaini, who has an eight-strong team of Omanis onboard, says the there is plenty to challenge but that makes it even more interesting particularly to those who have not sailed in the Gulf before.

Crowds of spectators from all around the region turned out to offer their support to the six international teams at Sunday’s start.

Guest of honour Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, president of Bahrain Sailing Federation, welcomed the teams including EFG Bank (Monaco), Royal Navy of Oman, Team Delft Challenge, Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team, Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat, Team Renaissance, wishing them safe passage.

The first leg of the course took the fleet on a 100-mile sprint from Bahrain to Doha, Qatar before the event’s first Inport Race yesterday.

For more race details www.sailingarabiathetour.com