The slow boat to China

True to their word, the ISAF Qualification Committee has finally confirmed that the UAE have a place in the men's one dinghy event (Laser class) at the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition.

What a mouthful; but what an occasion!  For the first time in the history of sailing in this country, the UAE flag will be on the sail of an Olympic sailor.  And who is he? None other than Adel Mohammed Khalid Al Bastaki.

I had the unique pleasure of not only introducing Adel to sailing many years ago, but have also beeen involved in the negotiation to secure this place.

Ably assisted by Abdulla Al Obaidly and Omar Bazara, we lobbied the ISAF event management at the mid year conference and made nuisances of ourselves until we were successful.

The ISAF Secretariat, particularly Alistair Fox their event manager, was more than helpful. It is often argued that the Secretariat could manage the sport of sailing without the questionable help from the corporate body - in particular the Council.

Being on Council from time to time, and seeing the mess that arises from some of the decisions, I'm inclined to agree.  But, this is no time to be mean and grumpy, but to celebrate what will be a historic moment when Adel crosses the line in Quindao.

As can be seen from the press reports, the Quindao sailing area is living up to expectations. Concerns over a lack of wind and the strong tides are rife, but the waters are also plagued with a dense growth of algae! Adel is currently training every morning at sunrise down in Abu Dhabi.

This provides practice for the winds and tides; but it may be an idea to scatter a few hundred plastic bags in his path to simulate the Quindao experience?

Having just holidayed in Melbourne I was struck both there and here, about the absence of press reports on Olympic sailing. Much of the Aussie press is focused on swimming and the new high tech swim suits.

It has drawn criticism from some circles as to where the Olympics are heading. The thrust is that the Games should be about athletic prowess, but more and more emphasis is being placed on technological advantages. Where is the level playing field?

Countries that can't afford to spend a mere USD 4 million on a swim suit are not going to be in the swim.  Are we going the same way in sailing?  If some of the developed nations were to have their way the answer would be yes.

This years AGM will involve the selection of the equipment for the events. Before you ask: "Wasn't that decided at the last meeting when all the hoo-ha erupted over the multi hull exclusion?"

The answer is yes and no; but the question is so convoluted that even a Harry Potter fan would become lost in the maze. We have a "Recommended list of equipment that is the real names of the boats to vote on for the events, those being the given names of the equipment..."

If you are confused, imagine how difficult it is to write this! The point is that some of the boats have been put forward as a showcase of sailing technology. But surely the public and the IOC want a display of athletic prowess?

It was along these lines that I had a long discussion with Albert Prederi, the President of the 470 Olympic Class Dinghies, on the merits of the 470 as against the perceived hi-tech boat; the 49er.

"Tactics" was his blunt reply. Without strong winds or at least the desired wind strength, hi-tech machines can become real plodders. At least the more conservatively designed boats keep sailing merrily along.

Perhaps the final of the Laser Competition in the 2000 Sydney Olympic event best illustrated this. In the last race Ben Ainslie and Robert Scheidt fought a breathtaking duel at the back of the Laser fleet to settle the fight for Gold and Silver Medals.

It would be hard to imagine such an amazing demonstration of boat handling skills on a ‘hi-tech dinghy' - whereas the regular "out of the box" Laser was the perfect platform.

So where is all of this leading? As this is election year for ISAF, when the executive faces the AGM, it is time to reflect on what has, or has not, been done to promote sailing to developing countries in the last four years.

I'm afraid the answer is not a lot. The way ISAF is structured, it is almost impossible to change direction after the train has left the station. We continue trying; waving our hands in the air and screaming, "What about us?"

When I was much younger, I owned a motor cycle and was invariably told. "You'll kill yourself on that thing!"

Sadly motor bikes and young men do have a fatal attraction and it is with a heavy heart that I write about the tragic death of Nasser Omran Abdullah Al Marzouqi, at the age of 23 years. Riding his motor bike in Abu Dhabi he met with a bus at high speed.

I've known Nasser for over a decade and he sailed with me on the last Dubai Muscat Race. He was an excellent sailor and a passionate young man.  The sailing scene will struggle to overcome the loss of such a fine young sportsman. Farewell Nasser.

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