Dubai: A reversed route is set to pose EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour (SATT) teams a fresh challenge in 2015.
The 14-day, 700 nautical-mile, race around the Arabian Peninsula will now start in Muscat, Oman on February 15 and finish in Manama, Bahrain on February 26, via port calls in Sohar, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
Organisers Oman Sail have yet to announce the line up of teams – who will all race identical Farr-30 yachts – but they have already reported more entries than ever and a larger contingent from the GCC region.
“Sailing Arabia - The Tour has grown in stature over the past five years because it is a well-run event set amongst beautiful scenery that offers sailors, both professional and amateur from all over the world, the chance to train and compete in fantastic conditions during the winter,” said Oman Sail chief executive officer David Graham.
“It has always been our aim to rekindle our mutual Gulf maritime heritage by offering a first class winter racing venue for sailors and provide an outstanding platform to grow regional talent to raise the standard of our home-grown sailors. EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour ticks all the boxes in helping us achieve our aim.”
Keith Gapp, Head of Strategy and Marketing, EFG International said: “EFG sponsors a wide range of sporting events around the world and is proud to continue its association with EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour this year. Sailing is a sport that EFG International is passionate about and after the success of our team (Monaco), we will look to build on the achievement this year. With a new route and a new format, EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2015 is sure to be an exciting race around some of the Middle East’s best marinas.”
