14 February - 1 March 2017. EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour is the only annual race of its type, with a mix of long offshore legs and intense in port racing, in the world and since it was first established in 2011, has become the most prestigious race in the Middle East with a reach and appeal that extends with each edition, among both recreational and professional sailors.
The teams race in identical Farr 30 boats and are in competition for around two weeks, completing more than 700 racing miles and stopping off at five different ports, which showcase the Gulf region to new sailors and to fans who follow the action online or via television images around the world.
In 2017, competition starts in Muscat, Oman with the first in-port races before the fleet heads north to Sohar and round the tip of the Musandam Peninsula to Khasab. Competitors must tackle the challenges posed by the congested Straits of Hormuz as they race to Abu Dhabi and then on to Doha for the second round of in-port races before setting off on the longest leg to Dubai and a final opportunity to notch up points in the last in-port races before the winner emerges.
The line-up for 2017 is to be announced in a series of press releases over the next few weeks but the field has never been more open and despite being debutants, the experienced Team Adelasia di Torres are sure to make an impression.
"Each year, our fleet represents a diverse mix of amateur and professional crews, repeat competitors and brand new teams looking for fresh challenges and we are confident that all of them will enjoy the opportunities presented to them by our new route this edition, both on and off the water." said Oman Sail’s Chief Marketing Officer, Salma Al Hashmi.
From Oman Sail
