MANAMA Bahrain’s hopefuls on Tuesday had mixed luck as they started their campaigns on a tough racing day in the 20th Al Bareh International Regatta at the Bahrain Sailing Club near Al Jazayer Beach, according to a press release.
Being under pressure while being among 80 sailors from 12 countries, the Bahrainis had a rough first day of sailing, but were dominant in two of the five classes.
Participants have come from Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan, and for the first time Indonesia and Monaco, who each sent two teams.
They competed over three races in each of the five classes, which took place under relatively slow winds of just three knots.
Races in the Laser Standard, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, Optimist and Byte, which was recently introduced, kicked-started this four-day event yesterday.
Bahrain’s best results were in the Laser Standard and Byte CII classes. Ahmed Abdulla had a 2-1-1 finish in the Byte CII Class, which he leads with four points after three races.
He is being closely followed by Indonesia’s Mohammed Iam, who is presently second overall with five points, while Bahraini Ahmed Al Naar (10 points) and Hamad Al Hamadi (11) hold third and fourth positions, respectively.
Bahrain’s other success was marked by Ebrahim Abdulla in the Laser Standard. The prominent national team member results were 3-2-1 as he tops the class with six points, just one ahead of fellow Bahraini Ebrahim Daij who is in second place.
In the laser 4.7 class, UAE’s Hmoud Al Zaidi (5 points) led the field after three races. He is being followed by countryman Saif Al Naimi (6) in second place and Bahraini Ebrahim Showaiter (7) third.
Tanveer of Pakistan came first in two races and was second in the third to dominate the Laser Standard Class with four points. Behind him is Bahraini Ebrahim Abdulla (6 points) in second position, followed by compatriot Ebrahim Daij (8) third.
Action continues today with three more races in each class, to be followed by the last day tomorrow with the final races. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.
This international event is being organised by the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association (BMSA) for the 20th consecutive time.
Earlier on, BMSA president Sheikh Khalifa Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa welcomed members of the delegations at the opening ceremony and wished them good luck and a successful sailing experience on Bahrain shores.