Abu Dhabi’s showing at the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight – one of the world’s longest-running sailing regattas – is bringing twin benefits for the emirate.

Chosen for the international debut of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing – the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)-backed sailing outfit which will contend the 2011/2012 Volvo Ocean Race on its state-of-the-art Volvo 70 racing yacht ‘Azzam’ - the destination is also receiving an armada of interest at its heritage tent where visiting crowds are being introduced to the destination of distinction and its planned New Year hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet.

Queues up to 30 people deep are lining up at the tent to have their names etched in calligraphy, others are patiently in line to have henna designs applied to their hands, while others are taking up the challenge of being the fastest to operate a sail-raising winch with their eye on the main prize of a VIP New Year’s holiday in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

But by far the strongest pull is the appearance of star performers Fern and Ying – the two peregrine falcons – who have gone down a storm with old and young alike.

Seven-year-old twins Eddie and Max Harris of West Mercea, Colchester were among those who waited for their turn to pose with the star birds and learn how falcons feature in Emirati heritage.

“I love her,” said outgoing Eddie. “If I come to Abu Dhabi can I take one home as a pet?” he asked. Despite an answer to the negative Eddie was convinced he would like to visit the emirate and see falconry in action. “It sounds great and I think I’d be really good at it if someone showed me,” said the confident schoolboy.

ADTA is also using the Cowes Week platform to take news of its purpose-built Destination Village - being developed on the emirate’s stunning Corniche - out to the international sailing community. The village will be the focal point of the turn-of-the-year celebrations to mark the hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet which will be in the UAE capital for a fortnight before leaving on the third leg of the race.

Abu Dhabi’s ‘Destination Village’ – the size of eight football pitches - will be open free-of-charge to the public daily from 30th December to 14th January next year and is expected to welcome over 100,000 visitors through its gates.

In addition, the striking black Azzam, adorned with a flying falcon logo, and her 11-strong intercontinental crew, have been unveiled to crowds at the UK’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

After taking part in the many activities, the team will take its starting orders in the prestigious 608-mile Rolex Fastnet Race on Sunday 14th August, lining up against other Volvo Ocean Race 2011/2012 contenders - Team Sanya and Groupama – which are also fielding their newly-commissioned race yachts.

Stay up-to-date with all Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing news, exclusive competitions and content via
• Facebook (www.facebook.com/abudhabioceanracing);
• YouTube (www.youtube.com/abudhabioceanracing) and
• Twitter (www.twitter.com/abudhabioceanracing)

Or visit: www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com for all the latest updates on the team and Abu Dhabi’s plans for hosting the Volvo Ocean Race this New Year.
 

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