Emirati sailor Adil Khalid, trimmer for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (Ador) – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) contesting crew – is now featured on giant billboards throughout Alicante Airport in Spain ahead of the race start on October 11.

Adil, 25, was chosen as the ‘face’ of the campaign by the race organisers because of his role in extending the boundaries of the grueling, round-the-world race which covers 38,739 nautical miles and crosses six continents.

“Adil Khalid made history in the last Volvo Ocean Race, becoming the first Arab sailor to compete in - and complete - this incredible test of sailing skill and endurance,” remarked Yvo Janssen, the head of media for the Volvo Ocean Race, which is behind the poster campaign.

"He’s now an icon for the sport – especially in a region where his status will hopefully re-ignite a passion for sailing," stated Janssen.

“That’s why we chose him to be the face of our advertising campaign. He’s a great ambassador for the sport,” he added.

An average of 25,000 passengers a day fly into or through Alicante, meaning Adil will be one of the best-known faces of the VOR, the round-the-world yacht race that takes in 11 cities in 11 countries over nine months, with seven international teams all vying for ultimate victory at the finish line in Gothenburg, Sweden next June.

“It’s a thrill and an honour to be chosen to represent the VOR so prominently,” remarked Adil.

“As expected, the guys on the team did give me a bit of hard time about it for a while, but we’re all so focused on the start of the race now that they’ve forgotten about it and moved on... thankfully,” said a beaming Adil.

Ador is competing in the race on a brand new Volvo 65 yacht named ‘Azzam’, which is Arabic for determination.-TradeArabia News Service