Global logistics and shipping company GAC has been named the official logistics partner by Oman Sail, for EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The Tour 2013, which kicks off in Bahrain this weekend.
Now in its third year, EFG Bank Sailing Arabia ‘The Tour’ is the only pan-regional offshore sailing race of its kind, bringing 15 days of intense sailing action to the Middle East from 10 to 25 February, across four countries and eight marinas in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Oman. The tour made its debut in 2011, and this year teams from Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Monaco, Holland and the EU include nationals as well as expatriates.
All the teams will sail same-design Farr 30 one-design boats on a race course loosely based on the demanding Tour de France a la Voile. The race starts on Sunday in Manama, Bahrain, before heading to Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Musandam and then Musannah in Oman before finishing at The Wave Muscat in Muscat on 25 February.
As logistics partner, GAC will handle all the shipping and logistics requirements of the tour, and will be considered for Oman Sail’s further logistics requirements throughout 2013.
“The appointment as the Tour’s official logistics provider is a tribute to the company’s growing reputation for providing efficient support for complex projects and large pan-regional sporting events,” Lars Bergstrom, GAC Group Vice President Middle East, said.
“Amid the adrenaline and excitement, it is easy to forget how much careful planning and precision is required to make such complex events go smoothly,” he added.
“The diverse nature of EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The Tour’s logistical needs, and the multiple stops the race makes in marinas around the Arabian Gulf, will require the involvement of our offices in Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Ras Al Khaimah. It takes the concerted efforts of many different parties working together to ensure that everything needed – from the largest pieces of yacht equipment, to the small supplies – are all where they need to be at the right time. GAC has the know-how, resources and dedication to bring it all together.”
GAC is no stranger to competitive sailing. GAC Pindar, its partnership with leading independent sailing company Team Pindar, is the go-to provider of choice for integrated specialist marine leisure logistics, including yacht transportation, super yacht services, air sea and road freight, yacht spares logistics, sailing event management, ship agency and corporate hospitality.
GAC Pindar is the official logistics provider for the Extreme Sailing Series and was also appointed the official shipping and logistics service provider to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club last year. Adding to its already impressive portfolio, GAC Pindar has been supporting several world-class sailing events including the ISAF Alpari World Match Racing Tour, in which GAC Pindar skipper Ian Williams, was crowned world champion for the fourth time in 2012.
“EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The Tour is a complex sailing event involving nine teams and eight marinas across four countries. We needed a reliable logistic partner – that’s why we have appointed GAC. We are confident that it has the expertise and experience to support us perfectly, during the entire event,” Issa Al Ismaili, Oman Sail Event Director, said.