Abu Dhabi: Ace UAE sailor Adil Khalid hopes his role aboard Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s Azzam crew in the ongoing Volvo Ocean Race inspires more Emiratis to take on new challenges and do the country proud.
Khalid also wants to help improve the perception of the country and the region as a whole all around the world.
He helped the Abu Dhabi crew win the first leg of the 2014-15 race from Alicante, Spain, to Cape Town in South Africa, before a third-placed finish on leg two to the UAE means skipper Ian Walker’s team are tied for first place overall with Team Brunel and Dongfeng Race Team.
Gulf News caught up with Khalid during the round-the-world race fleet’s Abu Dhabi stopover. Excerpts from the interview:
GN: How has your experience with the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team been?
AK: So far, it has been great — this is my second race and you can see it is quite intriguing. The boats are standard now so it’s all about the team — knowing when to up the sail, lower it and how to make the most out of your opportunities. My first race was difficult because it was a big jump for me. Getting used to the conditions, the food, which is mostly dried fruits, and you have to work really hard. Four hours on, then four hours off and sometimes 48 hours without sleep. Mentally, you have to prepare yourself and, more importantly, you have to be really strong for lifting stuff 10 times heavier than you.
How different was the second leg from the first?
The first leg was very windy and was tough for us but we made really good decisions. We always had teams following us in the first leg, but in the second it was different as we were trying to chase down other teams. In the first leg, I lost six kilos and this leg I lost two, so I was feeling it was better. Though we didn’t finish at the top like we did before, we are still happy.
What was the toughest challenge for you?
I was feeling homesick and everyone does. You miss family and I was counting down the days as we were heading close to Abu Dhabi. I was really anxious and it was a battle at times. Once you are prepared to do that [battle], then you can achieve anything. Earlier, when I used to sail here, it was about a couple of hours in the water, come back, take a shower, a nice meal and sleep. However, now that’s not the case and you can’t say you are tired. I feel I have become strong in the mind and that’s very important. When I reached Abu Dhabi, there was a realisation of what we have achieved when I saw my countrymen cheering for me. It was a proud moment.
What responsibilities come from being the sole representative in the race from this region?
The responsibility is huge. First and foremost, I want the world to change the perception towards this part of the world. This is a beautiful country and you can enjoy here and feel at home. People are warm and, whatever you see elsewhere, you have it here. Only once you come here will you know that and, with me, I also take the culture from here around the globe.
What would be your message to the UAE youth?
I would tell them to lead by example and do something for the nation that has given you so much. We have so much support that we don’t need to run around — free education and what you want in life to progress. It’s something that no country offers, so youngsters should make use of it. I could have also just relaxed on the beach and enjoyed a nice evening here rather than going to sea for nine months. The youth has to give something back to the nation and not take things easy.
What goals have you set for yourself?
I want our team to finish at the top at the end this season. The immediate goal is to win the in-port race in January in front of home fans and then sail out from here for China and win it. I also want to take part in the qualifying event for the Olympics, which will be held here, and represent the UAE at the 2016 Games in Brazil. My first experience at the Olympics in Beijing [in 2008] was great. At that time, to get a chance to be there was huge. However, now I want to build on it and compete with the best in both the 49ers and Laser classes.
