2nd GCC Beach Games at Doha, Qatar - Day 1
by Icarus Sailing Media 7 Apr 2015 23:33 NZST
2nd GCC Beach Games 2015 © Icarus Sailing Media
A packed racing day with a frisky breeze
Welcome to magnificent Doha and the 2nd edition of the GCC Beach Games. Today the sport of sailing is added to the action and Qatar's Sailing Club was full of life and activity as more than 50 sailors from 6 GCC nations gathered to participate and to take their chances for the crown.
The weather conditions were looking good for an exciting day of racing, with a frisky breeze of about 25 knots, challenging for all the sailors.
Out on the race track all the youngsters enjoyed great action and thrilling moments in all 4 classes competing here. Sailing is a unique sport that gives you the opportunity to be exposed to nature's elements and at the same time to test your limits while you're having fun.
The key to success is for the young sailors to group their skills. Boat handling and speed are mandatory, but not enough. You then need to make strategic and tactical decisions. It all comes with experience.
Day 1 served up 3 races for all classes against the dramatic backdrop of Doha's stunning buildings. In the Laser Standard Class the performance of the day belongs to the Waleed Al-Sharshani from Qatar who run an unbeaten series of 3 bullets!
There was some great racing action in the Optimist class - as the fleet surged off the start line trying to claim the early lead. All the boats were packed together, ensuring exciting mark roundings, and one on one boat battles. The performance of the day was by Zakarixa Al Wahabi from Oman with 2 bullets and a second, but Abdullah Al Bishr from the UAE was breathing down his neck one point behind. Ghanim Al-Sewaidi from Qatar also put in a solid performance, scoring two forths and a fifth to stay close to the podium places.
As the event has still long way to go, the excitement is building. Now it is time for all sailors to re-charge their batteries. More action with our next report!