Dubai: The fourth edition of the EFG Sailing Arabia tour organised by Oman Sail has been confirmed from February 9 to 24 this year.
The 15-day, 760-nautical mile race is the GCC region’s only annual long-distance offshore sailing event. More than ten teams are expected to compete in identical Farr 30 one-design keelboats, stopping at eight ports across the region from Manama to Muscat.
Local sailing enthusiasts can catch the action in the UAE with scheduled stopovers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on February 15 and 16 respectively.
Last year’s race was won by Team AISM, skippered by France’s Bertrand Pace, eight-time winner of the Tour de France a la Voile and helm of two America’s Cup challenges.
The 2013 edition also included Olympian and Volvo Ocean Race skipper Sidney Gavignet of France, Britain’s Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions, Oman’s Mohsin Al Busaidi, the first Arab to sail non-stop around the world, and the UAE’s Adeel Khalid, who competed in the 2008 Olympics and the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean race.
Keith Gapp, head of strategy and marketing at EFG International, said: “EFG sponsors a number of high-profile sporting events worldwide, with sailing one of our focal points — and this event is unique among them. We fully endorse Oman Sail’s commitment to youth mentoring, training and the significant strides being made to reignite the rich maritime heritage of the GCC region.”
David Graham, CEO of Oman Sail, said: “In just three years the event has established the Middle East as an exceptional international yacht racing destination with unbeatable sailing conditions, local talent grown from centuries of sailing heritage and the chance to experience a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and modern sophistication.
“The continued commitment of a global sponsor like EFG international confirmed the premier status of the tour. It provides a solid base for staging bigger, better and even more exciting events.”
