Maktoum Challenge attracts foreign boats

Dubai: A strong fleet of more than 35 boats are set to compete for the Maktoum Sailing Trophy off the Mina Seyahi waters near the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) from February 25-29.

Sponsored by Emirates, the annual event has attracted a lot of interest from foreign boats, prominently a strong one from Australia, South Africa, France and Germany.

The event, to be held under the patronage of Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be under the auspices of the ISAF, the UAE Marine Sports Federation and the DIMC.

The boats will be categorised in three division as per their specifications, namely Division 1, 2 or 3.

"It is very pleasing for us to see this event grow from a fleet of nine boats in its inaugural year to 30 last year and now more than 35 boats this year," stated Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of DIMC.

The event will have a fleet racing format with two races held every day over the five days of action. The end will see a gala prize-giving dinner sponsored by strong supporter AGMC BMW.

The UAE is being strongly represented with at least ten teams from the region. These include Division One winner Yo!, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi in Division 2 and Eureka in Division 3.

"We can expect more excitement as there are new boats and new names, including some of the top sailors from Australia and Europe," noted Sid Bensaleh, Race Department Director at DIMC.

Names with huge sailing experience such as Robert Weight, Andrea Zaffin, Matt Allens, Alexander Mercier, Marcus Wieser, Francis Carr and Russell Coutts will have to assemble against UAE-based talent such as Kristian Tzanov, Mike Jelfs and Christophe Vanek.

"Any of the boats are in a position to win," stated Yousuf Bin, the skipper of AGMC BMW.

Last year, Yo!, led by Toby O'Connell won Division 1, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi took the top spot in Division 2, while Division 3 was clinched by Eureka.

"This is the ultimate venue for some great sailing here in a week's time," added Marcus Wieser, a member of Team Germany at last year's America's Cup in Valencia.

The Maktoum Sailing Trophy is being held as a curtain-raiser for the Dubai RC 44 Cup - the brain-child of former America's Cup skipper Russell Coutts. The opening round of the event is scheduled to be held at the same venue from March 3-7.

The Maktoum Sailing Challenge is sponsored by Emirates, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, The Westin Dubai, AGMC BMW and Marine Pool.

Update
Bin Lahej aims for the top

Yousuf Bin Lahej, the lone UAE skipper at the Maktoum Sailing Trophy, has all reason to feel proud.

"Last year, our boat [Duboats Racing] came second. This year, we want to go one step better," Bin Lahej told Gulf News.

Bin Lahej is the lone skipper of a boat with a UAE nationality. "I feel proud to be flying the UAE flag, and the target always is to finish at the top," Bin Lahej stated.

Much of the UAE's skipper's advantage will lie in the fact that he has literally grown up sailing along the coast. As skipper of the Christophe Vanek-owned Duboats Racing last year, Bin Lahej took second place behind Le Meridien.

"These are familiar waters for me. Add a little bit of strategy and tactics and we can be at the top of the podium," Bin Lahej quipped.

"The game plan is to sail our own race and stay clear of the other boats. And if we sail to our strengths and not make any mistakes, I do not see why we can achieve the win on our division," stated the UAE sailor.