Brits bring the rain

Friday night was the Puma party at a really cool beach bar out here called Barasti. It was quite a different pre event party I think for most mothies, loads of photographers taking pictures - some of which were apparently for the Dubai equivalent of Hello magazine - Ahlan! There was a group photo of the Mothies in the podium area which I think JP has a copy of which I'll try to get up here.

Have managed to get a few sails in on the boat now and have also been doing some bimbling so quite happy with the setup. A few of us went out for a light wind practice today, somehow drifting about in no wind seems much more appealing than usual over here.....I think everyone was struggling though to stay up on the foils, I was quite happy with my speed in the light stuff although Arnaud was able to sail a lot higher than most of us.

Yesterday Alex and Mike arrived from the UK and seem to have brought the rain with them. Apparently it only rains about 4 times a year out here so I don't think the drainage is really geared up for it. A bit like the UK with snow I guess. This morning we awoke to flood waters in places - despite it being 30 something odd degrees. Apparently in the other Ibis that Mikis and Phillip are staying in the lobby was under water! Alex also appears to have brought with him some kind of man flu so the plan is to dose him with strong drugs in order to avoid a repeat of Garda for him.

Forecast for the next few days is quite mixed. Tomorrow is light but then Tuesday is looking mental with another storm front coming through with 35 knots and more rain apparently. Perhaps we might be able to foil back to the hotel and save a taxi fare....

Arrived....!

Arrived in Dubai yesterday for the start of week working and sailing when I can fit it in. The club is fantastic - everyone is really friendly and its a very chilled atmosphere - should be a great championships. The UK is so cold at the moment, apparently due a reversal in the North Atlantic oscillation (whatever that is). Apparently this is why Toronto is so warm at the moment and the UK is the coldest in 25 years......whatever the reason I'm just looking forward to some sailing without constantly numb hands and feet.

Yesterday the wind and shipping didnt quite play ball. The Dubai moths went out for a play in some marginal conditions, JP and Arnaud were busy knitting and so could only launch when the wind had totally died to a drifter. My boat has arrived today so hopefully I should be able to get it assembled in time for a sail this afternoon / early evening if the breeze stays.

Today is perfect - steady force 3-4 with a small chop and of course lots of sunshine.....

The rigging / launching area.

The view from my hotel room suggested Bora had been out here for some time.

Puma moth with worlds tallest building in background.

JP indulging in his second favourite past time - sanding.

Arnaud indulging in his second favourite past time - knitting.