As the falcon-emblazoned main sail of Azzam, the Volvo 65 yacht of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, billows into view at the end of the race Leg 2 in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) capital next month, the real birds of prey will be waiting to greet the hardy fleet sailors.
The Abu Dhabi Falconer’s Club (ADFC) is sweeping into the VOR Destination Village on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater ready to give the sailors, their families, fans and visitors a taste of a sport where birds can change hands for millions of dirhams and where competition prizes range from seven-figure cheques to luxury sedans.
“We’ll have falcons on display every day,” said ADFC’s Sultan Al Mahmood. Visitors will be able to meet local falconers and have their photographs taken with their majestic birds.
“We’ll use the Stopover to explain the traditions of falconry and to show how modern technology is being applied to a sport that dates back hundreds of years.”
To develop and promote the sport, ADFC organises local and international competitions, conferences and events, collaborating with government entities including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Education Council and Abu Dhabi Environment Authority.
“Falconry, like the sea, is in our blood,” said Al Mahmoud. “Yes the stopover will celebrate our maritime heritage but it’s also a chance to show part of our desert heritage. The fact that Azzam bears the symbol of the falcon demonstrates the importance of this bird in our culture.”
The stopover village closes on the evening of 3rd January when the awe-inspiring race fleet of Volvo Ocean 65s departs for its next endurance sailing leg to Sanya, China.
