Pal Zileri - Carrera Sailing Cup at Dubai - Round 1
by Joel Bryant 5 Feb 2009 09:08 GMT
31 January - 1 February 2009
Action from the inaugural Pal Zileri - Carerra Sailing Cup in Dubai © Joel Bryant
Recovering from the news that the highly-awaited annual sail-off of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy had been cancelled for 2009, sailors gathered at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club for the inaugural Pal Zileri - Carrera Sailing Cup - a two-weekend competition separated by the two-day Jumeirah Regatta.
While the weather forecast was certainly not as optimistic as the crews arriving in their branded clothing, a day of racing for everyone was conceived by the DOSC sailing department, offering the high performance IRC division 1 and 2 classes a standard windward-leeward course with a leeward gate, and the Corinthian class a longer reaching course around the island.
Consolidating two years of a successful partnership with Pal Zileri and Carrera as title sponsors of his Pal Zileri Sailing Team, Kristian Tzanov was in a particularly good mood despite the morning’s calm conditions: “When I first approached Pal Zileri and Carrera about sponsoring the yachting lifestyle, we were all taking quite a step into the unknown,” explained Kristian. “Now, two years later, the Pal Zileri name is known throughout the local and international racing scene from our achievements and the professional sailors who have joined us for our campaigns.”
Kristian launched the Pal Zileri Sailing Team in 2006 with the Beneteau First 44.7 ‘Faith’, which he successfully used to take the Maktoum Sailing Trophy 2006 from local celebrity and ex-America’s Cup sailor Christophe Vanek. Moving across from a successful racing career in Motocross and offshore powerboat racing, Kristian has quickly embraced the highly competitive Arabian Gulf sailing spirit.
Taking delivery of his new yacht Sovereign last year, Kristian has improved on the King of Spain’s World Championship-winning yacht to maximize its performance for local racing conditions. “The keel of the boat was modified and the hull strengthened, so she is a very different yacht to sail this year,” commented Giancarlo, Soverign’s professional bowman. “The set up has completely changed, so we have yet to discover her true potential.”
For his inaugural trophy, Kristian chose a fully multinational crew, with a mix of local and guest sailors, including Giancarlo and ex-America’s Cup sailor Mauro *** from Italy, two Dutch sailors and two Brits, bringing in the experienced DOSC sailor Alan Skennerton to provide local tactics. Sailing together for the first time was always going to test teamwork, but the mutual respect of sailing talent ensured a great camaraderie throughout the competition.
A passionate Italian who likes to watch those around him, Giancarlo is always impressed by Dubai: “Dubai offers perfect sailing conditions, with constant wind and sun all year round. It is the perfect getaway for a couple of days.”
True to form, the morning calm gave way to an afternoon sea breeze rising to 11 knots, and offering a perfect start for the Division 1 yachts grouped around the start line. A slightly delayed start due to EPI Mattafix getting hooked up on the pin end slowed the first windward leg, but the new speed of the division one yachts really showed their potential. Even Yo! Found it hard to keep up with the likes of Pal Zileri and Team Duboats on the First 45, while the canting keel Farr designed Tazo Too and Team Premier on the Landmark 42 were hard to catch at the front of the fleet.
Using the leeward gate as a tactical opportunity to round either side, many positions were made and lost as the standard windward-leeward procession was opened up in the growing breeze. Using the experience and local knowledge of mainsheet trimmer and tactician Alan Skennerton, Pal Zileri kept ahead of its usual rivals, though her high handicap rating meant her line positions were not always carried through to the podium.
The first Pal Zileri - Carrera Sailing Cup was also the perfect launch pad for Pal Zileri’s new range of sailing gear. “It is a fantastic show of support that Pal Zileri has watched what we have done in our campaigns, and has been impressed enough to design a range of clothing perfect for the sport we do,” boasted Kristian.
Offering glasses and body warmers the full range will be released as the season continues. “For me, sailing is about the contact with nature, and the new Pal Zileri range of sailing gear fits perfectly into that,” explained Giancarlo. “Not only is it comfortable and fitted close to the body, but it has great clean lines and, of course, the Italian quality!”
Joining Giancarlo as the Italian contingent onboard was Mauro ****. With many massive achievements in the world of sailing, including 1982-83 member of America’s Cup “Azzurra” team; 12-Metre class European champion in 1998 and World Champion in 1991 and 1999 Maxi World Champion, what has Mauro enjoyed sailing with Kristian? “We established our relationship four years ago and together we have achieved great results: Winners of 2006 Maktoum Sailing Trophy; Winners of 2006 Beneteau regatta; Winner of 2006 Jumeirah regatta; 2nd during 2007 Maktoum; 3rd place last year, the list is too long,” Mauro explained. “Kristian has become a very close friend and I am personally very attached to our achievement and would like to continue in the same direction. I would like to say that Pal Zileri have been great sponsor, who sustained us during all these years.”
So what brings professionals out to sail in the Pal Zileri - Carrera Sailing Cup? “Well, sailing in Italy is very closely linked with tourism; it is not looked upon only as sport. We have the regattas in June and September that naturally prolongs the summer and tourist season,” enthused Mauro. “Dubai has great weather conditions and with support from the government could develop further more. I have seen the sailing in Dubai growing with every year and today we have extremely competitive regattas with a lot of international crew. I believe that Dubai is on the right track to establish itself as one top sailing destination.”
The second round of the Pal Zileri - Carerra Sailing Cup takes place on 30th March 2009.
More information on the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club website.