Doha: A host of world-class crews and regional sailing elite are gearing up for the physical and mental challenges of the EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour, which kicks off on February 10 from Bahrain.
At Amwaj Marina, one of Bahrain’s premier locations for yachting, the nine teams competing in EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour are preparing for the start of what will be a grueling 15-day race ending in Muscat, Oman.
It is only three days until the start of the Gulf region’s only long distance offshore sailing race, which will take the crews on a two-week journey covering 760 nautical miles.
In the last few days, the expert teams have come together and familiarised themselves with Farr 30 yacht that all teams will compete in as they pit themselves against the offshore conditions of the Gulf as well as challenging inshore courses at four of the ports.
Amongst the leading teams arrived and in the final phase of their preparation is Al Thuraya Bank Muscat, the all-female crew led by world famous single handed round the world sailor Dee Caffari. Dee outlines how the team has come together.
“We have all been training hard in the last months, but now is the time that the team needs to really come together and iron out any creases in our performance. The girls are all ready to go, but we need to practice the drills in particularly for the starts and on the spinnaker – if the weather picks up we will need to be twice as efficient as the heavier crews,” said Dee.
The wind for the opening leg is forecast to be between 11-14KmH, which may give Dee, her female crew and her light boat a competitive advantage against the other eight teams.
The battle will take place across four countries and along an eight port route, competing in off shore and in port racing over the course of 15 days.
David Graham, Oman Sail CEO said the season promises to be a closely contested affair.
“This season promises to be the best yet, with some of the world’s best sailors competing in the ideal sailing conditions of the Gulf. EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2013 represents the culmination of three years’ development in offshore racing in the region, and the roster of competitors reflects the adoption and recognition of this unique event by the international sailing community,” Graham said.
The nine crews are now in the peak of their physical condition, and their boats are all ready to face the elements.
From February 10 the crew of nine boats will be challenged by sea rations and fatigue as they travel together from Manama to Doha and finally arriving in Muscat on February 25. Qatar will host the second leg of the event.
EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour will take place in four countries and in eight ports of call. For more information on the race one can visit: www.sailingarabiathetour.com.
The Peninsula
