At Amwaj Marina, one of Bahrain’s premier locations for yachting, the local community and sailing enthusiasts will notice this morning (February 7th) a flutter of activity as the nine teams competing in EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour prepare for the start of what will be a grueling 15-day race ending in Muscat, Oman.
A host of world-class crews and regional sailing elite are in final preparation, pulling ropes and tuning rigging or doing intense cardio workouts along the waterfront as they fine tune their boats and themselves ahead of the physical and mental challenge.
It is only three days until the start of the Gulf region’s only long distance offshore sailing race EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour, which will take the crews on a two week journey and the 760 nautical miles.
In the last few days, the expert teams have come together and familiarized themselves with Farr 30 yacht that all teams will compete in as they pit themselves against the offshore conditions of the Gulf as well as challenging inshore courses at four of the ports.
The battle will take place across four countries and along an eight-port route, competing in off shore and in port racing over the course of 15 days. David Graham, Oman Sail CEO said: “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 Sailing Arabia – The Tour 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.”
The nine crews are now in the peak of their physical condition, and their boats are all ready to face the elements. From the 10th February on, the crew will be challenged by sea rations and fatigue, while the boats will be suffering from constant wear and tear as they travel together from Manama to Doha and ADSYC, on to Dubai, Dibba, Mussanah, finally arriving in Muscat on February 25th.
