Qatar Sail the Gulf 2016 - Day 2
by Icarus Sailing Media 5 Feb 2016 21:13 AEDT
2-6 February 2016
Qatar Sail the Gulf 2016 day 2 © Jayaram Korambil
Qatar Sailing and Marine Sports Federation is a thriving hub of the sport in the Middle East, and it was buzzing with activity as all the sailors were down at the venue early ready for another exciting day.
As expected Doha's fantastic conditions gave their very best – and the sailors rose to the occasion to show off their skills and ability.
Before the Fleet racing came the final of the team racing. And it was always going to be tough between the top three teams. But in the end Malaysia, who had dominated the round robin stages, held on to top spot ahead of Oman in second with Qatar also on the podium in third.
The fantastic scenery with its state of the art skyscrapers created a stunning backdrop to the regatta, making the Arabian Gulf one of the most fascinating place to sail.
Then came the turn of the fleet racing with two classes in action today. The sailors in the optimist fleet continued their battles to rise up the leaderboard. Malaysian Muhammad Rani got a first and second to go top of the pile but only 2 points separate him from second placed Omani Almous-tasim Alfarsi Another Malaysian Wan Sarah Emalin Wan Iman is the best placed female in the fleet and sits third.
In the Laser standards India's Dutta Upamanya and Kairul-nizam Afendy from Malaysia are sharing the lead – both with a win and second place to their names.
In the Laser Radial the Malaysian Azri Azman won both races and sits top of the leaderboard.
A great day for Malaysia continued in the Laser 4.7 class which sees the country in first and second in the leaderboard. Asmawi Azman currently out on top.
Kazakhstan are top of the Hobie Cats after 2 races. Karzao and Yeskeldi put in two great performances finishing first and second.
The end of the day found all the sailors back to the shore enjoying the serene atmosphere of Doha, refueling their batteries for the days ahead.