Abu Dhabi: Adil Khalid already has his name etched in UAE sailing history having become the first Emirati to represent his nation in the sport at the Olympics. But this 22-year-old believes he has bigger goals to accomplish, starting with the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race which begins in the Spanish port of Alicante in October.
Having deservedly won his spot on the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) team last year after beating 120 of his compatriots, Khalid has no qualms placing his latest feat ahead of his historic appearance in Beijing. "What I did before was good," he told XPRESS, "But this is extreme sport. If I did this, I'll be the first Emirati or first from the Arab world to be doing it."
"For sure it's a bigger thing. You are competing in an extreme sport where anything can happen. You are doing it for your country and your country and family will both be proud of you."
Khalid, a seasoned regatta competitor has steadily adapted to the rigours of fighting for a team cause, especially one preparing for a round-the world 39,000 nautical mile race. Along with compatriot Butti Al Muhairi, who is part of the shore crew, the duo are currently in the middle of a four-phase multi-country training programme to step up their preparations. The next two months will see Khalid and Al Muhairi spend time in the UK, Abu Dhabi and the Far East, learning a wealth of skill-sets, ranging from sea survival and boat knowledge though to advanced seamanship and strength training. "It's a different world," Khalid said. "You learn a lot of things tactically, like navigation, how to trim, how to eat, how to sleep according to different world times.
"I'm getting used to it. I'm training. I used to sail in boats smaller than this before and I have a little bit of experience from before so I think I'll be there to represent Abu Dhabi."
The UAE capital will host the third leg of the race marking the first Middle East stopover in the event's 37 year history, and Khalid admits it will be an emotional occasion for him and the Emirates. "It's my dream to come to Abu Dhabi hopefully and win the port for Abu Dhabi because everyone will be there. It would be a great thing," he said.
And as soon as he completes the global voyage with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority backed entry which ends early July next year, he already plans to get started with his next objective. "It was my dream to compete in a Volvo race one day and it came true. Now I have a dream that maybe for the next one, we can have a full local team representing the UAE.
"Butti and me will try to push people and train them," he said.
