2015 Sail the Gulf Regatta – Day 1

by Icarus Sailing on 5 Feb 2015 Welcome to Qatar and the exotic city of Doha, where tradition and history meet architectural innovation and magnificent skyscrapers, to create a breathtaking landscape. In the heart of winter, Doha offers unique sailing conditions, which is why 'Sail the Gulf Regatta' is building on 23 years of success.

Sail the Gulf is a fast paced, ever-expanding event that attracts numerous international entries. Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation guarantees excellent organization and memorable hospitality.

Day One was focused on team racing in the Optimist class, and the young sailors were getting prepared to showcase the best of their skills out on the race course.

Perfect racing conditions. Blue sky and breeze of eight knots set the stage for the opening day. Seven teams representing four countries, and 1 multinational team, lined up to do battle in a short-race format, where teamwork is essential for success. Optimist sailors relish the challenge. A team’s combined results decide the winner.

The teams faced two round robins, so had the chance to put all their efforts into battling each other. Team racing is great for young sailors, as they have to execute excellent boat handling skills and rapid tactical decision making. Individual skills are important, but not enough to guarantee the result. Teams aim to achieve a winning combination of places - the lowest overall score wins.

Crowned winners, Team India read the course, and the other teams, skillfully. In the finals, they crossed swords with the UAE’s first team. Two race wins to India, ensured they ruled the waves to secure gold!

Bahrain’s Optimist Team were strong competitors to take third place, and show immense talent for the rest of the regatta.

Tomorrow, the Optimist sailors will turn their focus to individual fleet racing, and five more classes will join them. Follow Sail the Gulf action with our next report!