First Oryx Cup Teams Conference at the Marriott Hotel, Doha
by Mike Noel-Smith 9 May 2004 05:22 PDT
5th to 8th May 2004
From left to Right (back), Herve Jan, Cam Lewis, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Ross Field, David Scully (front) Louis-Noel Vivies, Tracy Edwards MBE, Tony Bullimore at the first Oryx Cup Teams Conference © Mike Noel-Smith
The skippers and representatives of the six entries in the Oryx Cup flew out of Qatar on the 8th May, happy in the knowledge that The Oryx Cup is now full steam ahead.
Tony Bullimore, Team Daedalus reflected on the conference saying “We had no idea what to expect when we arrived here in Qatar but the past two days have been fantastic. We have been given all the information we need about The Oryx Cup and the quality of the conference has been absolutely superb. We now have the confidence to go back to the UK and find the sponsorship we need to get to the start line next year.”
The teams arrived in Doha on 5th May courtesy of the national carrier Qatar Airways and spent the day relaxing at the Marriott Hotel before sampling a little local hospitality in the evening. The conference was attended by all the teams, the Maiden Ocean Racing Qatar (MORQ) team and the Qatar 2006 crew. Tracy Edwards MBE opened the conference explaining how the vision of The Oryx Cup had become a reality over the past six months.
“Since the announcement in the UK on the 14th October last year MORQ has been working extremely hard in Qatar to lay the groundwork and the structure for this exciting event. We have worked closely with Qatar Sports International and many other bodies in Qatar to get us to where we are today. There has been much to do to ensure that The Oryx Cup is the best sailing event in the world but my team have worked tirelessly towards that vision. Today, seeing all these teams here is, for all of us, a reward for that hard work and determination.”
Alan Green, Race Director went though the preliminary Notice of Race with the competitors explaining that this was the framework for the rules and that contributions from the teams would be welcome. “This is your event” he concluded “and we want to get it right for all of us. We have come together to ensure that we have great events for these great boats and if we work together as team, we will be taking the next step towards that goal”.
The VIP lunch sponsored by HSBC and hosted by General Manager Kevin Smorthwaite, was attended by The Qatar Marine Federation, Qatar Sports International, Qatar Tourism Authority and other Qatari dignitaries.
Mike Noel-Smith, MORQ Operations Director, “We wish to thank HSBC for all their support and assistance behind the scenes over the past six months and for sponsoring this splendid lunch today. Thank you to QSI, Qatar Marine Federation and QTA for their enthusiasm and their hard work. We could not have done this without you”
The press conference for the Middle East press after lunch was well attended followed by a photo session with Rick Tomlinson who has been commissioned to cover the events.
Before dinner, the evening kicked off with a champagne reception by the pool overlooking the Maxi Cat Qatar 2006, moored in the marina. The mood was upbeat and the buzz was evident as the teams and organisers relaxed and discussed the day’s events.
Hugh Leventon from MRS opened day two by discussing sponsorship, Doo Gurney from Tribe Qatar spoke about Media and PR and Richard Simmonds from APP Broadcast outlined the television package.
John Caswell and David Butter from Group Partners held a discussion group with all the teams and explored the various ways the organisers and teams can work together to ensure the longevity of the events in Qatar. John Caswell “The discussion was lively and extremely interesting and covered all aspects of the events”.
John Harwood Bee, Cheyenne, “This is absolutely amazing, I have never seen competing teams come together so enthusiastically to contribute to an open discussion on where we are going with these boats. It was the forum we have craved and Tracy really has captured the essence of what we need to do to move forwards. It is incredible what she has achieved today considering the cynicism that has existed from some quarters of the sailing world. We really didn’t know what to expect when we got here and she really has proved what her team and these events are made of. Well done.”
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston added “The quality of the speakers has been very impressive. They have told us the things we need to know in an eloquent and informative way. The team that Tracy has assembled is truly awe inspiring and gives us all massive confidence in their ability to put on two great events that will last long into the future. We wondered what she had been up over the past six months and now we know! Anyone who doubted these events has been proved utterly and sadly misguided.”
The conference concluded with Tracy, Group Partners, Doo Gurney and Hugh Leventon in private meetings with the individual teams to gather the information needed to assist them to the start line.
Tracy Edwards, MORQ, “Yes, we know there is a lot of work ahead of us but the conversations we have had today and the willingness we have seen to work with us, convinces me that we will have these boats on the start line. All the teams have something to offer a sponsor and they are all of the highest calibre. There is now increasing awareness of the events in the region and a genuine interest in sponsorship of these amazing boats and their awesome crews.”
Rick Parrish of NAPT provided a safety demonstration to the teams and talked about the ocean safety training facilities they have developed in Qatar. Mike Noel-Smith also discussed The Quest 2006 and outlined the progress with stopovers.
Many of the delegates went on the desert safari with Qatar Adventures courtesy of Qatar Tourism Authority. Dave Scully from Cheyenne said afterwards “We were sadly only here for a short time and this was a great opportunity to see some of what Qatar has to offer. Thank you QTA and Gulf Adventures we had a great day. It really was a splendid end to a very impressive conference.”
Before leaving Doha, Cam Lewis added his thanks to Qatar “We really have had an educational three days. We have learned so much of Qatar and their hospitality has been warm and engaging. The conference has given us the information and the incentive we need to go and find a sponsor so that we can participate in The Oryx Cup and The Quest 2006.
“I am extremely impressed with what Tracy, her team and Qatar have achieved” added Ross Field “I really had no idea what to expect but I am totally convinced that these events will be successful and have a long life. I am so glad that I attended the conference and I know now that I would like to be on the start line…..to win of course!”