Volvo Ocean Race - Abu Dhabi

The Volvo Ocean Race is  the longest ocean race covering more that 39,000 nautical miles during the eight month, 10 port visits across the world.   Starting in Alicante, Spain it went to Cape Town, arrived in Abu Dhabi today, 04 Jan 12.  Next they are off to China, Brazil, Miami (if you're in the US - in the area - you should go!), Lisbon, France and then finishes in Ireland. 

Sport and entertainment combine to create a unique experience for everyone when the Volvo Ocean Race sails into the 10 Host Port cities across the world.

In Abu Dhabi, Destination Village is like the other Race Villages set up in Port Cities with public activities to participate in - almost all are free.  Entertainment from concerts, demonstrations, exhibitions, free sailing clinics, fireworks and of course FOOD!

The entrance to Abu Dhabi Destination Village!

Abu Dhabi Marina....some of the most spectacular boats,
yachts.....we have ever seen!

As you enter the village - it is a mini souk of local merchants!

Traditional sight at most National Events.....the falcon.

A squid?  

Here to cheer on America's vessel - The PUMA and
the Abu Dhabi Azzam (Determined). 

When we arrived we were handed flags, FREE!
We are to welcome all yachts into the ports. 

Same flag....the English side!
Azzam is the Abu Dhabi boat....translates to "determined". 

 The Route the TEAMS will take!

Abu Dhabi welcomes all the TEAMS and visitors. 

Dave stakes our claim - table and chairs!  Primo SPOT!

Big Name Golf Players arriving in Abu Dhabi in January and
to promote the event within the event, a FREE activity was to hit
the golf ball off the tee on land to the island green.

The entertainment and concert area. What are those?
Bean BAGS!  Isn't that awesome....they are everywhere!

Everyone loved the BEAN BAGS!

Showing Emirati pride...Three men walking tall....on stilts!

Now if you look at the buoy....just beyond there is a
guy in a canoe.  Yep, we all came to see him.  

Duane is enjoying the event and
most likely missing the boat!  ME TOO!

The city awaits the arrival of the teams.  Across the water
is the other side of the Corniche - surprisingly closed.
All spectators were to be on this side to enjoy the event. 

Technically, the Groupama was first in the race, but
the Telephonica was first to come to port as they are
in first place overall in the race.  One yacht did not make
it today....they ran into pirates (really) in Madagascar and
had damage and will rejoin the race this week. 

Telephonica is the team from Spain!

They are magnificent!

First Place....coming into the second leg of the race.

Dave and Laurie Nelson (from AZ) join us at the races.
Thanks to Dave and Laurie for saving us awesome seats
and for sharing their photos!  

The CAMPER - Team New Zealand! 

Up close and personal.....navigating there way into port. 

The CAMPER!

Having fun....teams arrived one hour later than expected
and with the sun fading and the wind off the water....it was chilly!
First time in AD - where I said I was "cold".   

Laurie and I just taking it all in....a beautiful day!

Dave and Laurie Nelson.....rockin' the Corniche with us!

The PUMA - Go USA!

A loud cheer (so many expats present) to welcome
the PUMA and the USA team!

After meeting the Crowned Prince the teams were
interviewed and presented with Date Champagne.
Of course the each team shook them and sprayed
each other, but only the Americans drank it!

Groupama - from France makes their entrance!
BONJOUR!

The Royals await the teams!

The sun is starting to go down....still waiting on
Abu Dhabi Azzam!

The TEAMS are IN the slips!

The TEAMS are docked - time to celebrate!

Fireworks on the Corniche!
We saw them from our roof top - 21 floors up
on New Years Eve....now up close and just a few
hundred yards away!  Very impressive!

Well, out and about!  Not letting the knee keep me down.
I'm AZZAM.....very determined!


Three Words:  Good Luck AZZAM!