Sir Ab Nur Version 2

On Thursday 17 March 2016 at 18:30 started the Sir Ab Nur Race V2 with two participants, IdeesfixVIII and Etihad Towers a VOR60.  Winds were NW varying between 12 and 20 Kts.  A long Port tack brought us to Esan (east of Sir Ab Nur island) then a few tacks to Wsan followed by a Starboard bear away.  A2.1Q was hoist when clear of Sir Ab Nur.

An hour before Sir Ab Nur the upper part of our J3.1Q started delaminating itself. We dropped it and tried to tape it back together.  At night it was difficult.  We then had to hoist storm jib due to lack of other options.  We still managed more then 8Kts beating up to Sir Ab Nur.
After rounding and clearing Sir Ab Nur A2.1Q was hoisted giving a great ride back to Abu Dhabi.  We reached a speed of more then 19Kts with great surfs and one broach.
Arrival was at 05:39 after a sail time of 11:09, Etihad Towers at 06:33, with a sail time off  12:03.
We did not get much sleep but had a great sail.

Typhoon in Abu Dhabi

On 09 March 2016 strong winds and rain hit Abu Dhabi.  Winds of more then 100Km/h were measured.  At Emirates Palace Marina we had to take refuge at the office to get protection from the intense wind and rain.  The boat covers did not last long but no damage was recorded.

This is the view from IdeesfixVIII's cabin.