With only 24.06 seconds behind the Italian Alex Carella, the Saudi boat racing team (SAIF) came second in the third round of the 35-lap F2000 World Cup of Powerboating here Wednesday afternoon. Michael Nylund from Finland came third in 33:40:71 minutes. Saudi team boat driver Colin Jelf of Great Britain powered the Saudi powerboat racing team. Prince Misha'l Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah, who graced the event and presented cups to winners, said that this year's event is the real beginning for a brighter future for this marine sport in Saudi Arabia. “We are so happy to see the Saudi boat coming second. I would also like to extend my warmest congratulations to the winners and to all drivers who really made us enjoy this race,” Prince Misha'l added. The prince also thanked the organizing committee of Jeddah Tourism Festival for holding this international event. He also appreciated the cooperation at various levels that contributed to the success. “I am very happy to see the fruit of cooperation between government and private sectors. The success of the F2000 event is a good example,” Prince Abdulla Bin Saud, Executive Chairman of the Jeddah Tourism Festival, said. He hoped that other companies would follow the steps of the Dirati Company in sponsoring this sport. “I'm hopeful that many Saudi companies will follow suit and Jeddah tourists will soon see many marine events,” he added. Colin Jelf said the Saudi young men need international exposure and gain experience to be able to compete in big events. “They should be able to compete in world championship. But to get to the level of winning, they need to work hard. We're planning to take them to Britain for more training courses,” he said. Colin is the reigning F2 World Champion and his family together with his brother Owen and father Ted, has many years of experience in racing and engineering for the Formula boats. “There is so much to learn for a new team. It isn't like me and my father, we find it very easy to improve,” he added. Jelf pointed out that the government should also financially support these team members so that they could one day become international champions. Jelf said that the second place is a great achievement despite an engine problem. “I'm happy with this result and I'm sure that you will see SAIF making great results in the future,” he added. The race was delayed for nearly three hours. “That was because of strong wind that made waves high. We could not allow participant start since their safety was our main concern,” Abdul Salam Fairooz, UIM F2000 promoter said. __
