by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing media
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has launched a nationwide campaign to recruit at least one UAE national to join the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team for the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race.
"We are searching for a compatriot with steely determination, enduring physicality, strength of mind, quick intelligence and dynamic personality to be part of our multinational crew," said His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the ADTA. "Whoever is selected will take on the considerable responsibility of working towards, and sharing, the aspirations of their homeland,"
Hopefuls who are at least 30 years old, speak proficient English and believe they have what it takes to compete in the world's premier offshore sailing race can sign up on the team's official website abudhabioceanracing.ae until October 24, 2010.
In November 2010 the first batch of 12 aspirants will be put through a rigorous fitness and endurance programme, going through a series of psychometric tests and one-on-one interviews to evaluate their mental and physical strength before sailing trails in the Arabian Gulf.
"The next four months will be fascinating for all involved," said skipper Ian Walker. "Hopefully the series of tests and trials we have planned will clearly identify the best, the strongest and those that will fit seamlessly into the team."
In December, the list will be reduced to three candidates who will then take part in long offshore sailing trails in the Indian Ocean. The chosen applicant will join the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Team fulltime in January 2011, while the runners-up will be offered positions on the shore crew, responsible for the maintenance, development and reliability of the racing yacht.
"The right team selection is paramount to both our race ambitions and the safety of all on-board," explained His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, ADTA's Director General, "so we have to get it 100 percent correct. This is why we have such an intensive selection and training programme in place."
Abu Dhabi will not only be making history as the first Arabian Gulf entry in one of the world's most extreme sporting events, but will also be the first Middle Eastern host port and destination partner in 37 years of the race.
With its long sailing heritage, rich maritime tradition as a trading port, 400km of coastline and over 200 natural islands, the United Arab Emirates is an indisputable winter sailing destination and the ADTA has high ambitions for its participation as a stopover in the race.
"We are intent on delivering a home port experience which will be a race highlight and will activate celebrations and entertainment for visitors and residents which will leave an enduring impact," said Al Muhairi.
And when the Volvo Open 70s arrive for New Year celebrations in 2012, Abu Dhabi will give its guests a taste of what the Emirates have to offer.
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
Volvo Ocean Race
