Dubai: The fourth edition of EFG Sailing Arabia The Tour began in perfect sailing conditions in Manama, Bahrain, on Monday.
The Arabian Gulf’s only long-distance offshore endurance race, which runs until February 24, saw a six-strong fleet set sail for Doha, Qatar, under clear skies and with winds ranging from 16 to 18 knots. After the crews complete the 100-mile first leg, there will be an in-port race in Doha on Tuesday before the identical Farr 30 boats head for the UAE and then Oman.
The teams faced a delayed start on Monday, with the first leg eventually getting underway at 7.25am local time (8.25am UAE) today. The start line was set just over a mile offshore and the first mark of the course a further mile-and-a-half upwind.
Race director Gilles Chiorri said: “This leg is mainly downwind under spinnaker. As the fleet passes the north point of the Peninsula of Qatar the wind should decrease to 15 knots and the sea state is likely to flatten out.”
The fleet includes three teams from Oman — Team Renaissance, Royal Navy of Oman and Al Thuraya Bank Muscat — along with EFG Bank (Monaco), Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team and Team Delft Challenge. There are many nations represented among the crews, including France, Germany, Ireland, America, Britain, Netherlands and Belgium, as well as the local Omani teams.
The young team on Messe Frankfurt, with 21-year-old Marcel Herrera at the helm, had a good start along, but Sidney Gavignet’s EFG Bank (Monaco) had a problem with their jib that meant they were four minutes late starting.
Kay Heemskerk’s Team Delft Challenge also had a good start and were in close combat with Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team heading to the first mark. They led round, followed by Messe Frankfurt and Katie Pettibone’s Al Thuraya Bank Muscat.
For more information log on to sailingarabiathetour.com
