Abu Dhabi: More than 80 sixty-foot traditional Arab dhows were on regal display yesterday in Abu Dhabi for a $1-million (Dh3.67 million) race to the UAE capital as part of the fortnight-long celebrations around the Volvo Ocean Race — the gruelling 39,000 nautical mile round the world ‘Everest of Sailing'.
Sailing a 16-nautical-mile sprint course which finished at the Corniche breakwater — where Abu Dhabi's Volvo Ocean Race ‘Destination Village' entertainment centre is based — the race was eventually won by Mohammad Rashid Shaheen Al Marar, who also had members of Volvo Ocean Race-contesting outfit Puma Ocean Racing aboard.
"We had to use a lot of tactics to win, as the wind was slow, maybe seven or eight knots to start. It is great to win, we have had a lot of victories and to take this one as well is great. Having the Puma team aboard was very interesting, they fitted right in. Although, talking to them, I wouldn't want to do the Volvo Ocean Race, that sounds very tough," said Al Marar.
The race also gave the Volvo Ocean Race crews a chance to try their hand at traditional sailing techniques. Swapping their Volvo Open 70 race yachts, the world's fastest monohulls, for Arab dhows — renowned as one of the sturdiest vessels afloat — was an unforgettable experience for the more than 15 international sailors, many holding sailing titles.
"This was my first time on a dhow, it was a magical experience. Mainly we were used as ballast but they were kind enough to let me steer the boat over the finish line to snatch the win," said Puma's navigator, Tom Addis.
On-water activities
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club (ADSYC), the race is just one of a number of on-water activities being staged around the emirate's historic hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet, its sea-hardened sailors and more than 100,000 fans.
On Tuesday, another dhow race — this time in the 22-foot category with crews made up of young Emiratis under the guidance of adults — will take place inside the Corniche bay. Running from the Hiltonia Beach Club to Lulu Island and back, the race — a unique feeder event to encourage grass-roots sailing — looks set to be a colourful spectacle as the sails will be in UAE colours. Away from the dhow racing, ADSYC's Watersports World provides people of all ages with opportunities to get involved with sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking.
