Oman Air struggles on first day in testing conditions

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) With just two podium finishes in the eight races held on the opening day of the fifth Act of the 2018 Extreme Sailing Series, Oman Air struggled to keep pace with the leaders and had to settle for fifth place among seven international teams in Cardiff Bay, UK, on Friday.

Despite the heavy rain and grey skies, SAP Extreme Sailing Team shone on the water, winning five of the day's eight races to lead after day one with 90 points. Initial postponement due to rain squalls evolved into high octane racing on Welsh waters. SAP was followed by INEOS Rebels UK at second place with 82 and Red Bull Sailing Team was third with 73.

Last year's overall champion Alinghi was fourth with 72 while Phil Robertson-led Oman Air had 69 points.

'We had some good starts but we struggled at various stages, so we will be looking ahead to the three days and aiming to climb the table,' said Oman Air's veteran crew member Pete Greenhalgh.

Oman Air's bowman Nasser al Mashari said, 'I have raced in many places around the world, but today was a challenge – so cold – not like any conditions you would find in Oman even in the winter.'

'With three days to go there will be opportunities to climb on the podium,' he added.

Cardiff standings [after day one]: 1 SAP Extreme Sailing Team (90 points), 2 INEOS Rebels UK (82), 3 Red Bull Sailing Team (73), 4 Alinghi (72), 5 Oman Air (69), 6 Team México (62), 7 Team Wales (56).

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