Dubai: Dubai based Team AISM led by America’s Cup skipper Bertrand Pacé won the third leg of the EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The Tour, the Gulf region’s only long distance offshore sailing race.
Setting off from Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club at sunrise and arriving at Dubai as the sun set over the city, yesterday’s leg was as spectacular for its scenery as it was for the quality of the racing.
Having held the lead in the race since the first leg from Manama to Doha, team BAE Systems under the command of skipper Cédric Pouligny was finally caught up by the relentless professional crew of Team AISM.
Leading almost from the start of the leg, AISM kept their cool under the blazing February sunshine and held off all challengers in the light breeze all the way to Dubai.
Having been just a quarter point behind BAE Systems after the in-port racing in Abu Dhabi, their win gives them a slender lead of three quarters of a point as they head off for Ras Al Khaimah.
After an overnight pitstop, The Tour continues on up the UAE coast with the short 53 mile leg from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah due to start at 10am.
At Ras Al Khaimah the crews will rest overnight before taking part in in-port racing today morning.
Set up to inspire the young people of the GCC to get involved in sailing, EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour is now in its third year.
Setting off from Manama February 10, the tour called at Doha and Abu Dhabi, reaching Dubai yesterday.
The race will also call at Dibba and Mussanah in Oman before reaching Muscat on February 25th.
For more information on the race please visit: www.sailingarabiathetour.com.
The Peninsula
