Abu Dhabi Youngsters meet local VOR sailor Adil Khalid

Sport360 staff 20:08 29/12/2014
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  • A group of Volvo Ocean Race fans from an Abu Dhabi school yesterday got an ‘Access All Areas’ pass for the Volvo Ocean 65 ‘Azzam’ yacht sailed by the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team.

     On The Radar, Dec 27- Jan 02: Volvo Ocean Race In-Port Race

    The British School Al Khubairat students have followed ADOR’s exploits since its skipper, Britain’s double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker and Emirati Olympics star Adil Khalid visited the school last September to give them a thrilling insight into the nine-month, round-the-world sailing challenge.

    And with the team now in Abu Dhabi city, the kids explored the yacht’s inner workings for the very first time, got up-close-and personal with their ADOR  heroes and discovered more about the mental and physical challenges the crew face during the incredible 39,000-mile challenge.

    And the access-all-areas experience left a lasting impression with many of the schoolkids.

     “It was very interesting, and inspiring to go onboard Azzam and meet Ian Walker,” said 11-year-old Michael Clark. “I have seen the team on TV before, but now that I’ve seen the boat and met the skipper, it’s made me want to see more of the race. I know the race is all tied at the moment, but I want Azzam to win. ADOR is my favourite team and I will be watching them in 2015.”

    The bravery of ADOR was not the only thing that made an impression with the tour group, either, with Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club member Ben Haines, aged 9, impressed by the mental skills the team obviously need.

     “It’s very fascinating, especially how they don’t get confused with all the ropes and things onboard,” said Ben. “I think Ian Walker is a very good skipper; he seems very organised and calm. I don’t think I could sail around the world after hearing all about the Volvo Ocean Race… but maybe I could do long distance.”

    After the tour, Nigel Davis, Head of Geography at the school, was full of praise for ADOR and Ian Walker, and especially the educational aspects of the experience.

     “This is the third time the students have had the opportunity to interact with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, and lots and lots of the kids took part in the competition to win the chance to come along and see the team and the yacht up close,” Davis said.

    The general public can also get up-close and personal with all the yachts at the Destination Village with special viewing pontoons available so fans can check out Azzam and the rest of the racing fleet as final preparations are made for the resumption of racing action on January 1, with the pro-am races, followed by the In-Port Race on January 2 and Leg 3 departure the day after. 

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