Azzam seals historic in-port race win

January 14, 2012

Dhabi Ocean Racing claimed an emphatic win at home
Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the winners award to Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
Walker and Adil Khalid celebrate their home win

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing claimed an historic win in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12 Etihad Airways In-Port Race. A herculean effort by Azzam and its crew, skippered by Briton Ian Walker, a double Olympic medallist, saw the 11-man team dominate a hugely tactical contest and romp home ahead of Groupama, CAMPER, Puma and Telefonica, respectively.

This historic moment took place in the presence of Their Highnesses Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

The win sparked wild scenes of celebration both onboard the team’s Azzam (determination) yacht and in the purpose-built Race Destination Village on the Corniche breakwater, which was also attended by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

With special guests, His Highness Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York, also onboard Azzam for the day, an overjoyed and relieved Walker beamed with satisfaction at the finish line.

A clearly jubilant Adil Khalid, the Emirati crew member who clinched his spot in the team ahead of 120 other national hopefuls, revelled in the patriotic fervour as he proudly waved the UAE flag as Azzam crossed the finish line.

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