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Strong Sign-Up Buoys Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing Title Hunt |
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More than 50 UAE nationals have applied to join Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12 sailing dream team within just two weeks of the nationwide hunt for would-be Emirati heroes being launched - with many more expected over the coming days. Drawn by the unprecedented opportunity of a lifetime, the applicants have come from all walks of UAE society, from leading Emirati dhow racing captains to hardened members of the Armed Forces, as they ready to challenge for a spot in the title-chasing Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team. And with applications still being taken - via the team’s official website abudhabioceanracing.ae until 24th October 2010 - competition for the coveted spots is going to be fierce. "The response has been extremely positive and we have already begun identifying the candidates boasting all the necessary qualities to withstand the inherent rigours the Volvo Ocean Race commands," said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA - which lead-manages the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing outfit. "There are few challenges on earth that push athletes to the limits like this, so the successful UAE applicant needs to be able to fit seamlessly into the team, be willing to meet all obstacles head-on, and be an ambassador for the emirate on the global stage. This selection process is going to be extremely critical to our title ambitions." One of the world’s toughest, most extreme sporting challenges, the nine-month Volvo Ocean Race, a 39,000 nautical mile round-the-world event, pits man against the elements in the ultimate test of mind, body and soul. To identify leading candidates, ADTA - in conjunction with key members of the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team- will undertake a rigorous three-month test programme starting next month. Once the initial review has been completed, the strongest 12 applicants will be shortlisted and put through a demanding fitness and endurance programme to assess their mental and physical strength, before sea trials on the Arabian Gulf waters. December will see the final candidate pool whittled down to three, with crew hopefuls then undergoing long offshore sailing trials in the Indian Ocean. The successful applicant will then immediately join the team full-time in January 2011 as it readies for the Volvo Ocean Race start in Alicante, Spain on 29th October 2011. Runner-up applicants will be offered positions with the team’s shore crew, which is responsible for the maintenance, development and reliability of the race yacht. Candidate hopefuls must meet stringent criteria and display a strong work ethic, basic sailing and technical knowledge, proven teamwork capabilities and high fitness levels. Candidates should preferably be under 30 years old, speak proficient English and be willing to commit full-time to the project, from January 2011 to August 2012.
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