SimplyAbuDhabi V

132 S IMPLY ABU DHABI Outstanding Performance from Azzam The six-strong Volvo Ocean Race fleet – including the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team – competed in a truly exhilarating in-port race on the 13th January, culminating in jubilant celebrations in the capital which we were delighted to be part of. Aptly named ‘Azzam’ meaning ‘determination’, Abu Dhabi’s Yacht reflects the resolve of the nation to succeed as it carries the 11-strong Ocean Racing crew across some of the world’s most perilous seas in a challenge which some have referred to as an ‘Everest of Sailing’. As HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Team Principal of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing asserted; “Azzam reflects our determination to deliver an outstanding performance in this race and to strive as best as possible for a podium place. It also reflects the fortitude shown by the pearl divers and traders who shaped our ancient maritime heritage.” As tall as a 12-storey building and as long as two London double decker buses the intercontinental team crewing this fine race contender faced a mean feat out on the water tackling the prevailing winds. The UAE entry’s highly proficient crew comprised a mainstay of Volvo veterans and a UAE national, under the competent leadership of double Olympic medallist and 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race skipper, Ian Walker. Friday 13 may be unlucky for some, but fortune favours the brave and this couldn’t be truer for hometown heroes Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing as they claimed their second inshore victory, winning the Etihad Airways In-Port Race in front of thousands of jubilant local supporters. A Glorious Triumph in the presence of Royalty Despite the pressures of being the home team and the presence of two Royals watching the race, the determined team put aside anxieties to power home in Azzam in a thrilling win that secured them six valuable points in the Volvo Ocean Race. Watching the Abu Dhabi team sail to glory on a perfect course to beat Groupama by 57 seconds and win the Etihad Airways In-Port race was a magical moment. Abu Dhabi’s Azzam established a leading position as the fleet started the second lap of the eight- plus mile course in a southerly breeze reaching almost seven knots. Going head to head with Groupama, for much of the race, for an instant Abu Dhabi surrendered their lead but Ian Walker’s crew pulled things back in determined style impressively stealing the lead from Telefónica with just three miles to go in a frenzied downwind dash for the finish line. The locals maintained the lead for the rest of the race, and pulses must have been racing onboard, as they were on shore. The fans packing the Corniche breakwater held their breaths Ian Walker and his team crossed the line after racing in a morale-boosting victory in just less than an hour. His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York and His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan raced on board Azzam to add some regal flair to proceedings for the victorious occasion. Prince Andrew stood proudly beside talented Skipper Ian Walker as Azzam crossed the line – what a rewarding moment for us all, crew and supporters alike. As Ian Walker said; “Everyone has been wishing us luck during the stopover and there were so many people in the village and out on the water cheering us on.” The positive support and excitement from onlookers was richly rewarded by Azzam’s stunning triumph and Jordana and myself were certainly in fine company as the thousands of spectators on the shores included former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. It was a real honour to be amongst such prestigious players and witness the dream victory first hand. As Ian Walker surmised; “We so wanted to win the race so we were prepared to take risks. We knew if we could win it would be very special for everyone. As part of the most competitive fleet the event has witnessed, the crew aboard Azzam did Abu Dhabi proud. Amongst the 11-strong crew, one man in particular was ecstatic about the victory – local sailor Adil Khalid. As the first Emirati to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race this was a truly historic moment for the ambitious seafarer and he celebrated the triumph by waving the UAE flag as they finished. He later said ”I am so pleased with this win here in Abu Dhabi. The stopover has been wonderful and this is a great result for us as a team in our home port.” The Sweet Taste of Success Having thought Telefónica, would win that hands down, victory tasted all the sweeter for the triumphant Abu Dhabi team as they came in ahead of the favourite. PUMA who dis-masted in the first leg, pulled things back to take second and Franck Cammas’ Groupama came third. A jubilant Walker remarked how minor changes to the vessel during the stop over seemed to have a hugely positive effect; “I think we just found out where our boat is fast ... I think one of the things we’re all seeing is that you can get big differences in speed with minor changes to the boat so we’re just trying to educate ourselves really.” The triumphant fleet left the celebrations as they set sail for stage two of the third leg to the Chinese city of Sanya – taking them through a danger zone where pirates are active – to race for more than 3,000 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean, through the Malacca Strait and into the South China Sea. Let’s hope their winning spree continues apace. Thank You for the On and Off Shore Magic We would like to extend a huge thanks to all the organisers of this incredible event and to everyone as the port and Destination Village for making our trip such an exciting and memorable one. It is estimated that from the opening on December 31 2011 to January 14 2012, as many as 100,000 visitors passed through the gates of the Destination Village and Jordana and I feel truly blessed to count amongst them. Positively bustling with exhibitions, shows and simulators, the village was a hive of activity and we were caught up in a thrilling adventure where we were treated to exceptional hospitality. The perfect combination of sporting action down on the Corniche and the lively entertainment laid on in exceptional style in the village that kept us enthralled as the incredible action unfolded. To be such an integral part of a nine-month odyssey round the world was a genuine honour for Abu Dhabi and one that we personally hope will be repeated, so we can save the date for the A&J diaries. vo l vo oc e an r a c e abu dhab i