Dubai: Team Premier with Hannes Waimer at the helm, EPI Mattafix sailed by David Rostant and the young under 18 team on Go North, with Frederic Jacobs in charge took the top three places of the IRC Divisions in the Al Maktoum Sailing Trophy organised by Dubai International Marine Club over the weekend.
Team spirit
Poor visibility and strong winds shrouded the event, which was run in conjunction with the RC 44 Championships.
"There were some incredibly challenging conditions that were out to test us all," said Waimer, winner of Division 1.
Toby O'Connell who won the Trophy in 2008 on YO! had to miss two of the eight races to make repairs as the strong winds took their toll on his boat.
Excellent crew work and a well-adjusted boat was the synopsis from Division 2 winner Rostant on EPI Mattafix, which kept them in front of Mike Jelfs on MACE.
"We struggled in the stronger wind conditions as we've been racing mostly in lighter winds but it was a great experience. Especially the last race with the course around the island," said the MACE skipper.
Strong team
The under 18 team on Go North didn't escape breakages and proved to be a very strong team taking first place in Division 3 and handling every situation in an excellent way.
"The team spirit was very good," said Jacobs after an intense few days.
