SB3s a hit in Volvo’s ME GP

While the morning dawned calm on the coast, an offshore wind threatened the prospects of a thrilling first day to the first round of the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix, held at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club on 19-20th October. Having been heavily billed and supported by a number of prominent IRC racers there was a certain amount of apprehension as the fleet of eight SB3s were rigged for their first competitive outing; some being more well practiced than others.

Re-living the heyday of Dubai's J22 keelboat sailing, the mix of branded sails very soon proved there was more than enough of a breeze to keep all the teams happy, with a light 9-11 knots that picked up slightly further into the afternoon.

"It was even better than we expected," said a delighted David Worrall from the De Vere team, and a usual IRC racer aboard his First 36.7, Shahrazad. "The positions changed so quickly. You could be last across the line, and second around the top mark. In some ways, the light airs made it more challenging, especially as some of the boats were right up to the target crew weight." (I heard that may have been Jafetica).

Attacking a course set in waters sheltered by The World, off DOSC, the course on both days pushed the tactical reserve of all the teams, with five teams claiming a first position at some time over the two-day regatta.

While the all-female Team Maclaren stayed at the bottom end of the fleet, experience and practice sailing the SB3s certainly came to the fore, with Hannes Waimer from Dubai-based racing yacht builder Premier Composites coming out comfortably on top. However, as proved by the regatta's racing, such margins are easily won and lost, and there is plenty of time for all teams to put in much needed practice before the next round at the end of next month in Ras Al Khaimah at the Hilton.