Twenty-four-year Munich student Moritz Werb was left jumping for joy today when a call from Emirati sailing Olympian Adil Khalid announced the news that he’d won a trip to the capital of the United Arab Emirates to “jump off” the Volvo Ocean 65 yacht Azzam as it leaves Abu Dhabi on the third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race to China on January 3.
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Moritz, who studies medical technology and engineering, entered a Facebook competition launched by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race entry – and in which Adil is the trimmer and helmsman and the only Arab sailor in the race.
“It was great to hear the excitement in his voice when I told him the news and I look forward to welcoming him to Abu Dhabi and onboard Azzam,” said the UAE sailing poster boy.
Moritz, who comes from a family of sailors, submitted a photo of him ‘jumping’ while on a sailing trip to Croatia to take the prize which saw entries from 16 countries uploaded onto ADOR’s Facebook page.
“I’ve following ADOR for some time,” said Moritz. “It’s my favourite team in the race and this is just a great Christmas present. I’ve never been to Arabia before so to start the New Year there will be fabulous. I’m super happy and excited. I can’t wait to get to Abu Dhabi and meet Adil in person.”
Moritz will now board ADOR’s yacht ‘Azzam’ – which means determination – as it heads out of Abu Dhabi’s stunning Corniche Bay on the way to the start line for Leg 3 of the round-the-world, Volvo Ocean Race epic. During the trip to the start line he’ll perform the traditional leaving ‘jump’ salute when he’ll leap into the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.
“Moritz at least will have a pleasing water temperature to contend with,” said Adil. “He’s now in good company – our past jump off celebrities have included England cricket team starts and soccer hero Zidane.”
