DUBAI // Matti Paschen is hoping local knowledge will help him and his colleagues on the French-German yacht All4One to enjoy a successful fortnight when the Louis Vuitton Trophy takes place in Dubai.
Paschen, 38, is a sail-trimmer on the boat which will be skippered by his fellow German Jochen Schumann in the regatta which starts on Sunday. He is also a member of the Sea Dubai team who take part in the RC44 series and are based at Dubai International Marine Club.
"I am very familiar with the conditions we are likely to encounter here," said Paschen, who admitted to being surprised to see a sandstorm whip up the Marina beach to curtail Monday's first training session.
Paschen was speaking after an encouraging opening session in opposition to the powerful Emirates Team New Zealand crew and he reported that his own team were encouraged by the closeness of the series of practice races.
"For us to have Team NZ as a training partner was the best way for us to get up to speed," he said. "We had a few good races against a very strong opposing crew so that was good practice for us."
Sebastian Col, the Frenchman who was at the helm of All4One for the extensive workout, adopted a more cautious approach, however.
"This was only training so we don't know how relevant it will prove to be," he said after the series of close battles. "We would be happy to have lost every match today if we can beat them in the actual racing.
"Nevertheless, the opportunity to train against New Zealand was invaluable for us. We tried to get the maximum out of the day and learn a lot from the session, and I believe we have done that."
The All4One team flew a German flag from the stern of their yacht, one of two provided by Team NZ to accompany the two BMW Oracle boats that were also on the water that afternoon.
"Next time it might be a French flag," said Col. "We are looking for sponsors as we prepare for the next America's Cup campaign so it is probably sensible for us to alternate."
While the All4One team of 17 is predominantly Franco-German, the need for specialist sailors in key roles has made them more cosmopolitan. Their tactician is John Cutler, the experienced New Zealander. They will also have Italian, Dutch and Swiss sailors on board.
wjohnson@thenational.ae
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Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
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Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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