Dubai: This year’s EFG Sailing Arabia — The Tour, a 15-day race across the Arabian Gulf, will see five local teams in contention.
Zain Team, Royal Navy of Oman, Renaissance, International Maritime College Oman (Imco) and Omifco are ready to rise to the challenge of the new route, which will take the fleet from Oman to Bahrain via the UAE and Qatar from February 15 to 26.
EFG Sailing Arabia — The Tour 2015 will take place over 700 nautical miles. After the opening stage from Muscat to Sohar in Oman, teams will set sail for Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, as well as Doha and Manama, all in identical Farr 30 racing yachts.
Dubai’s sailing enthusiasts will have the chance to witness the talents of all the teams on February 21, when the action-packed in-port race takes place at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club ahead of the fifth leg of the race.
Reigning champions EFG Bank (Monaco) and Delft Challenge, representing the Netherlands, have already been confirmed for the event, with more teams to be announced in the coming days.
The Royal Navy of Oman will compete for the third successive year. Comprised of serving naval officers, the team use this race as a way to train young Omani sailors. The amateur team will be skippered by Lieutenant Omar Salim Al Esmaili.
“Wherever we go, we get a lot of support — everyone is proud of the Omani teams. They are proud to see us picking up the sport and practising it,” Al Esmaili said.
“Whether it is individuals or companies or government departments, everyone is very proud of us and support us with whatever we need. For all of us, it is not about the results, it is about maintaining the sport. The team is enthusiastic and improving with every race.”
They are part of a strong Omani representation in the race, with Teams Imco, Omifco and Renaissance also taking to the water.
