UAE- Crews face toughest test so far in 2016 EFG Sailing

Date

2/29/2016 6:04:59 PM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The nine international crews competing for the 2016 EFG Sailing Arabia embarked on their biggest challenge so far - a 160 nautical mile sprint from Abu Dhabi to Doha. The fleet of 30ft yachts were greeted with a perfect 10-knot breeze and clear skies for the start of the second offshore chapter of the 730nm adventure around the Arabian Gulf. The dust was still settling on Wednesday's Abu Dhabi In-Port Race series which saw Omani crew Al Mouj Muscat emerge victorious after four intense races off the UAE capital's iconic Corniche as the teams departed Emirates Palace Marina this morning after just 12 hours rest.

At almost three times the length of the 61nm opening leg from Dubai to Abu Dhabi leg 2 presents the teams with their toughest test to date and will see them spend their first night at sea of the tour. As well as worrying about their rivals on the race course each team will also have to contend with numerous obstacles including oil fields tug boats exclusion zones and islands.

Nico Lunven said his Al Mouj Muscat crew would have to quickly adapt from inshore to offshore modes if they want to replicate yesterday's success. "We have a big leg in front of us" he said.

"The good news is that there is good wind forecast for the early part of the leg and after that we will have to see what happens. We will have to be careful because in light winds anything can happen. Before leaving the dock we had a discussion among the team about how to manage our time because this leg is much longer than the first one. We have to change over roles early and not wait until we get tired. On land we're used to sleeping eight or nine hours but that won't be possible tonight - we will have to get very short amounts of rest when we can."

Dee Caffari the British skipper of Oman Airports-Al Thuraya Women's Team said that avoiding exhaustion during the testing leg would be vital.

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