Dubai: Sea Dubai got the wind in its sails and its 2010 RC44 Tour Championship campaign off to a flying start with five wins on the opening day of the season in the waters off the Dubai International Marine Club.
Skippered by German Markus Wieser, Sea Dubai dominated proceedings on the first match-racing day of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy.
The home side edged out Ceeref, Team Aqua, No Way Back, Katusha and Team Austria to take five wins from as many battles and go on top of the table.
The second match racing day is Tuesday and Wieser said a change in strategy was the reason behind the success.
"We have changed things a little bit since last year. We had a very good training session in January and that helped us stay competitive for the opening race of the season," said Wieser, whose team placed last in 2009.
"We haven't sailed badly in the past, but we made too many unforced errors. We sailed well, but didn't win and that didn't bring us any confidence. When you start winning the confidence starts seeping in and you start sailing better. We had a very good day yesterday."
Pieter Heerema, the owner of No Way Back, feels there is very little difference between the competing teams.
"It's a new season and a new start and everyone starts with a clean slate. We'll just have to fight hard as all of the teams are strong. Top 3 overall is our goal for the season, but it will be difficult to stay on top," he said.
