Round Two of the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix proved to be another exciting chapter in this evolving Grand Prix Circuit. Held at the newly opened Al Hamra Village Marina, on the 23rd and 24th November, the race boasted outstanding on water facilities and promised further expansions for racing in the near future.
“Volvo encourages new and exciting sporting opportunities in the Gulf, the GrandPrix is a chance for Volvo to support an environmentally friendly lifestyle and give youngsters healthy pursuits to look forward to” explains Roula Beiruty, Marketing Manager Volvo Cars ME.
The Light morning desert breeze of the race matured through the mid-morning into a promising sea breeze gaining strength and maintaining direction as Race One got under way at approximately 1pm. This was true Grand Prix style Short Course Racing, with course lengths set between 0.4 and 0.6 nautical miles with up to four laps contested in each race. The emphasis was on smooth crew work and fault-free execution of mark rounding’s and tactical fleet play up wind. By late afternoon Jonathan Hill had exerted his dominance on the day’s proceedings with two bullets from three races, DeVere Racing picking up the win in the second race. Markus Fiala was snapping at their heals with two 2nds onboard Petite Tazo, and the ever consistent Team Premier Composites, Series Leaders after Round One, sitting in third place with 5,3,2.
On the 2nd day of the race a stronger morning pressure off the desert delayed the arrival and strength of the sea breeze. Renowned local race officer Brian Hooper was keen to get the proceedings underway and with 5 knots he launched Race Four at approximately 12:30pm. Again following the shorter course strategy of Day One, the fleet quickly split in search of fickle zephyrs. Team Premier Composites quickly asserted their strength with two quick bullets, but it was Team Laser with Tom Pratt at the helm who surprised with a consistent 2,3,2, making the most of their lighter crew weight and often leading to the top mark but unable to find the downwind pace to hold off the likes of Hannes Waimer and Jonathan Hill who between them walked away with five of the six victories.
Jonathan Hill and his team on ‘Men on Pause’ has won the right to fly the Grand Prix Leaders Yellow Spinnaker for Round Three of the Volvo Laser Middle East Grand Prix after securing victory in Round Two. Racing wound up for the day, followed by a bountiful BBQ that accompanied the Prize Giving Ceremony on the 24th November.
With three more rounds to go, competitive spirit is high amongst the sailing crew. The event concludes in March 2008 at the Dubai International Boat Show, first Prize for the grand prix is a trip to the European Championships in 2008, to be held in Cork, Ireland. The next round of the race takes place at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, to be held on the 14th – 15th December it is already shaping up to be a cracking weekend of racing, with the prospect of new teams, and some breezier conditions already whetting the sailors appetites.
About Volvo: The Volvo Group has its origin in 1927 when the first Volvo car rolled off the production line at the factory in Göteborg, Sweden. The brand Volvo has come a long way since then, covering about 100 countries in total, comprising of 10 in the Middle East. Volvo, represented in the Middle East since the 1950’s, has 16 dealerships in the region, the regional office has been established in Dubai since 2000. The brand has established itself as the pioneer of road safety, quality, excitement and environmental control in the region as well as abroad. Being the pioneers of technologies such as dual-stage airbags, seat-belt pretension and the innovative BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) has enhanced the brand's own vision to “be the world’s most desired and successful premium car brand”, aiming to “create the safest and most exciting car experience for modern families”.
