The ME's first Laser SB3 regatta proved to be a hit
Dubai - The 1st round of Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix took place at Dubai's Offshore Sailing Club on 19-20th October. Hannes Waimer from the Dubai-based racing yacht builder Premiere Composites who comfortably came out on top declared that experience as well as practice sailing the SB3's certainly brought him to the fore.
There was much apprehension on the dawn of the 1st day of the competition as the fleet of 8 SB3's set their sails for the first competitive outing which would launch the Grand Prix. "It was even better than we expected" exclaimed the delighted David Worrall from the De Vere team, and a usual IRC racer aboard his first 36.7 , Shahrazad. The positions changed so quickly and there was enough breeze to keep all the teams happy, with a light 9-11 knots that picked up slightly further in to the afternoon. However, some teams were more practiced than others. While the all-female team Maclaren stayed at the bottom end of the fleet they still excitedly told us what a terrific experience it had been.
With 5 more rounds to go before the grand prize, participants are thoroughly enjoying the limelight of the event while indulging in their passion for sailing. The event concludes in March 2008 at the Dubai International Boat Show, first Prize for the grand prix is a trip to the European Championships in 2008, to be held in Cork, Ireland.
Laser Middle East, ART Marine LLC, and Volvo Cars Middle East have come together to further develop sailing and lifestyle in the Middle East. The Laser SB3 is the fastest growing sailing fleet in the world and has attracted some of the best sailors including triple Laser World Champion Glenn Bourke.
Volvo Cars, a manufacturer of premium cars with a rapidly growing market share in the Middle East, is no stranger to sailing and is involved in a number of international sailing events, including the pinnacle of sailing , the Volvo Ocean Race. Volvo Cars Middle East who are sponsoring the event, are also providing full logistical support. The multi award winning SUV, Volvo XC90, will be the official car for the event.
-Ends-
For more information, please contact:
Mehr Amin
PR Account Executive
Memac Ogilvy, Dubai
Office: ++971-4-3050 328
Fax: +971-4-3050306
Email: mehr.amin@ogilvy.com
© Press Release 2007
