Dubai-trained Herrera aiming for Sailing Arabia glory

Simon Collings 00:04 15/01/2014
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  • Plain sailing: The Gulf coast boasts ideal conditions for sailing.

    Marcel Herrera is hoping for a “third time lucky” winning championship in this year’s EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2014.

    The 21-year-old German skipper, who learnt to sail in Dubai, is hoping to steer his youth Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team to victory in the Gulf coast’s only annual long distance offshore event.

    Despite his age, Herrera is considered one of the more experienced veterans of Gulf racing, having competed in two of the three editions of SATT held so far.

    He has raced with the UAE Team Ras Al Khaimah and coached sailing in Dubai and Oman.

    The young skipper also led the Messe Frankfurt Sailing Team to 5th place in the 2013 EFG Sailing Arabia, a result he wants to improve on.

    “A personal ambition is to finish on the podium no matter the event so I am hoping for a combined team effort that puts us in contention for a top spot,” said Herrera.

    “We are putting in hundreds of hours of preparation to make this a winning campaign.”

    At least 10 elite GCC and international teams are expected for the EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2014, which takes place from February 9 to 24.

    Organised by Oman Sail,  the classic 15 day, 760 nautical mile annual Gulf coast challenge is contested in identical Farr 30 one-design keelboats.

    Rated as one of the most popular warm-winter fixtures of the global sailing calendar, it follows a course down the coast with calls at eight world-class marinas in four nations, from Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, before finishing in Oman.

    The 2013 edition hosted several top international skippers, who rated the regatta among the best in the world.

    They included Olympian and winning Volvo Ocean Race skipper Sidney Gavignet and Bertrand Pace, an eight times winner of the Tour de France à la Voile and helmsman of two America’s Cup challenges.

    Herrera admitted that EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour was an exceedingly competitive event, especially given the tough competition.

    “It is also a very challenging event. In 2013 our team had to adapt to the heat, the professional competition and format so it is very testing as skipper.

    “The highlight was finishing on equal points with French sailing legend Bertrand Pace during the Abu Dhabi in port race and only coming second due to the count back method of scoring. 

    “EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour is full of memorable experiences in terms of challenge and adventure.”

    Issa Al Ismaili, Oman Sail Event Director, welcomes the entry of such impressive youth teams and is confident they will return again to help the event grow.

    “In just three years the event has established the Middle East as an exceptional international yacht racing destination with unbeatable sailing conditions,” said Al Ismaili.

    “It has re-ignited our centuries old maritime heritage, promoted sailing as a sport and gives our competitors the chance to enjoy a rare tour of some of great nations and first class in port facilities.”

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