Abu Dhabi: In-port race winners Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing had a couple of Royal lucky charms on board their Azzam boat during yesterday's victory in the shape of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Shaikh Shakbout Bin Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
Prince Andrew, patron of the Volvo Ocean Race until 2005-06, served as a helicopter pilot in the British Navy and is Commodore of England's prestigious Royal Thames Yacht Club.
Shaikh Shakbout, son of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, is one of the UAE's top showjumpers, having participated in international events.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News after disembarking the winning boat, Shaikh Shakbout said: "I thank Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Vice-Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for giving me this opportunity to get on to the boat. It was an amazing experience.
‘Sheer team work'
"It was my first time on a sailing boat and the feelings were great. A lot of work goes into it — I did not think so much goes into it and it was sheer team work.
"We [he and Prince Andrew] were balancing for most of the time. We did not talk much during the race and we just obeyed when they said ‘right' and ‘left'.
"It was a pleasure and I'm very happy and delighted that I got this experience. It is a great sign that the UAE goes in and participates in so many sporting events."
Earlier, before the start of the in-port race, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team skipper Ian Walker introduced Prince Andrew and Shaikh Shakbout to the crew.
"I'm delighted to be here," the Prince said from onboard Azzam. "I've been following the race for many, many years. I'm no stranger to sailing — I have my sea legs — and I'm very much looking forward to the day."