Emirati sailing superstar, Adil Khalid, from Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, ADOR, the emirate's Volvo Ocean Race contesting squad, is fit and raring to get back in the race after recovering from illness.
The UAE trimmer and helmsman was forced to miss out on both Leg 4 and Leg 5 of the round-the-world epic after being struck down with severe food poisoning on the eve of the fleet's departure from Sanya, China, on February 8th.
Since then, the 27-year-old has embarked on an intensive rehabilitation and physical training programme in his home city of Abu Dhabi, including a 7-day camp on Sir Bani Yas Island. The regimen has brought him back to full fitness. He has also signed up to compete in the GCC Sailing Championships in an effort to regain his sealegs ahead of rejoining his crewmates aboard Azzam for the start of Leg 6, which departs Itajai, Brazil for Newport, USA, on April 19th.
"As part of my recovery plan, I stayed on Sir Bani Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, where I had a rigorous fitness plan. I did six hours in the gym every day and had a nutritionist and physical trainer on hand to monitor my progress," said Khalid. "It was tough but I'm now fully cleared for action and right back up to the levels I have to be at to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race."
Khalid, who was also attending the GCC Championships in his role as coach and mentor to the region's young sailors, was also itching to get back into VOR action, especially with ADOR currently leading the overall race.
"The guys are doing brilliantly at the moment," he added. "They're on a strong and consistent streak with 9 podium finishes in the last 10 in-port and leg races - and were leading on Leg 5 the last time I checked the race tracker. And don't forget the new IWC speed record for the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race.
"I'm desperate to get back to the boys and help keep this stretch going. I want to be on-board for all the remaining finish lines to raise the UAE flag, hopefully in triumph.
"The next Leg I could compete in, Leg 6, is a really quick Leg; straight sailing from Brazil up to Newport. Twelve to 15 days of fast, fast sailing, so I'm eager to get back for the excitement of that stage."
ADOR has recently rounded the infamous Cape Horn with minimal damage, and is currently leading Leg 5, in the race north up the coast of Brazil. It is expected to cross the Leg 5 finish line in Itajai on 5th or 6th April.
Source: WAM