Team BAE Systems skippered by Cedric Pouligny with team-mates Gérald Véniard, Alexandre Pallu de la Barrière, Guillamme Bérenger, Ali Al Balushi, and Mohammed Al Mujaini. Picture: Lloyd Images
Doha: Skipper Cedric Pouligny of Team BAE Systems Oman helped his team establish an early lead at the end of the first leg of the EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The Tour (SATT) here yesterday.
Poulingy team heads the world-class crews by a distance of 250m in the region’s only long distance offshore sailing race, covering 760 miles in 15 day race between Bahrain and Muscat.
Completing the top three positions, with only a boat length between them is EFG Bank Monaco skippered by Sidney Gavignetin and the youthful Team Messe Frankfurt led by Marcel Herrera in third.
The first leg race of the 15-day championship was completed in glorious sunshine today with crews fighting out a sprint finish due to light winds off the coast of Qatar and throughout the 100 mile first leg from Bahrain.
Despite the slow start for teams arriving into Qatar, racing is perfectly scheduled today to let all communities in Doha and sailing enthusiasts to celebrate the sporting public holiday.
Spectators have the chance to see the magnificent fleet of Farr30 boats in action as they battle it out in Qatari waters to secure top points in the in-port racing series following the first leg of sailing between Bahrain and Qatar.
This season promises to be the best yet, with some of the world’s best sailors competing in the ideal sailing conditions of the Gulf.
EFG Bank SATT 2013 represents the culmination of three years’ development in offshore racing in the region, and the roster of competitors reflects the adoption and recognition of this unique event by the international sailing community.
Competing aboard identical Farr 30 yachts, the EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour has attracted nine crews representing five different nations, led locally by Oman’s Team Renaissance, Royal Navy of Oman, Team BAE Systems and theall - female Team Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat. Two teams will compete on behalf of the UAE, Team Abu Dhabi and Team AISM representing Dubai.
International crews include EFG Bank (Monaco), Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft (Holland) and the Team Messe Frankfurt(EU).
Today in-port racing action at Pearl Qatar will begin from 11.00 am.The Peninsula
