Sports Reporter/Doha
Qatar Leadership Academy’s offshore sailing programme reached an exciting conclusion for the 2011/12 academic year after 24 students trained in the Regatta Sailing Academy’s two racing yachts in Doha Bay for eight weeks culminating in a 75 nautical mile sail from Doha to Al Khor and back.Following this, six chosen QLA students completed a 270 nautical mile voyage to Bahrain and back – four Qatari, one Kuwaiti and one from Saudi Arabia were accompanied by Bill Shinehouse a Master from Qatar Leadership Academy, Captain Mike Lawton and Yachtmaster Henry Castledine from the Regatta Sailing Academy.Capt. Lawton said: “The students proved the value of team training, not only learning how to sail and navigate a racing yacht but having an appreciation of the power of wind and sea; their environment for 48 hours and importantly a sense of responsibility for each other during what, at times, was a serious test of determination and endurance, experiencing steep seas and strong headwinds”.On arrival in Bahrain an exhausted but elated crew were hosted to a BBQ by Bahrain Yacht Club members before retiring for a well earned sleep, rising early the next day for their return sail to Doha.All students who completed the training programme will receive Certificates of Competence from the Regatta Sailing Academy at an Award Ceremony held later in the year.