Fedensieu keeps Horizon in control in first two races on second day

Americas Cup skipper Alain Fedensieu kept Horizon FCB firmly in control yesterday in the opening event of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy, the seven-round series for the new IRC class of sailing boats.

After winning both races on Thursday in the Dubai International Marine Club event, Fedensieu again looked in a class of his own as he guided his Horizon crew first home in the first two of the day's three races to increase their overall lead.

With shifting winds of 10 to 12 knots, there was some dramatic action on course between Mina Seyahi and The Palm Jumeirah.

There was collision at one point between Switch Blade and Sharazad skippered by David Worrall, vice-president of the UAE IRC Owner's Association.

But the incident did not prevent Switch Blade, skippered by David Rostant, from holding second place overall on handicap after finishing second in successive races and with one race remaining.

Fedensieu brought some world-class racing knowhow to the maiden event in the Maktoum Sailing Trophy series, which includes the 365-nautical mile Dubai-to-Muscat race in March and is designed to take its place alongside some of the sport's top events, such as Australia's Sydney-Hobart Race and Cowes Week in the UK.

While the bulk of the competitors, initially, are from the UAE, the series is expected to attract challengers from around the Gulf region as it develops.

Many more of the sport's top stars are expected to follow Fedensieu to the UAE to compete. He is currently leading the French syndicate-owned Grand Sud Challenge in the 32nd Americas Cup which is returning to Europe for the first time in more than 150 years and reaches its climax with an intense three months of racing in Valencia in 2007.

The Frenchman has an impressive race pedigree becoming Fun World Champion in 1989 and two years later winning the Offshore World Championship.

He was also a crew member of the triumphant Corum Sailing Team in the Admirals Cup.

He had won the 1994 Tour de France, and two years ago, captured the One Ton Cup in the IC 45 World Championship.

Enthusiasts can follow the series which is being staged by DIMC with the backing of the Jebel Ali Sailing Club, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and the Emirates Heritage Club Abu Dhab on the official DIMC website at www.dimc-uae.com.

Standings

Provisional:

Race 3:

Class 1: 1. Horizon FCB (skippered by Alain Fedensieu). 2. Switch Blade (D.Rosant). 3. Aquamarine (Alan Skennerton). 4. Sharazad (David Worrall). 5. Amirah (Yousef Bin Lahej). 6. Southern Cross (Patrick Camill). 7. Twister (Karen Rowlands). 8. Serdal Dubai (Mark Feilberg). 9. Mina Effect (Brian Hillesdon).

Race 4:

Class 1: 1. Horizon FCB (skippered by Alain Fédensieu). 2. Switch Blade (D.Rosant). 3. Serdal Dubai (Mark Feilberg). 4. Sharazad (David Worrall). 5.Amirah (Yousef Bin Lahej). 6. Aquamarine (Alan Skennerton). 7. Southern Cross (Patrick Camill). 8. Twister (Karen Rowlands). 9. Mina Effect (Brian Hillesdon).
Class 2: 1. Insatiable (John Rose); 2. Binker (Ben Trenouth); 3. Goan Bananas (Ged Langosz). Retired Irene (John Ford).

Nett positions:

Class 1: 1. Horizon 36. 2. Switch Blade 29. 3. Sharazad 26. 4. Aquamarine 24. 5. Amirah 22. 6. Serdal Dubai 15. 7. Southern Cross 14. 8. Twister 10. 9. Mina Effect.
Class 2: 1. Insatiable 12. 2. Binker 7. 3. Irene 6. 4. Goan Bananas 4.