Young UAE sailors to share final stage with Abu Dhabi World Cup stars

Spectators invited to soak up atmosphere as world, Olympic champions chase gold at Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 22 October 2015:  Some of the UAE’s most promising young sailing prospects will have a golden opportunity to learn from international stars on the World Cup stage in Abu Dhabi next week.

Several of the visiting athletes competing in the ISAF 2015 World Cup Final will take part in a special pre-event regatta being staged by hosts Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club (ADSYC) in conjunction with the international governing body of sailing.

They will join forces with teams of young optimist sailors from ADSYC, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Emirates Heritage Club and Abu Dhabi Sailing Club who will compete against each other in a round robin series of races next Tuesday afternoon.

“It will be a fun event, but at the same time the youngsters will have an excellent opportunity to learn a great deal by competing alongside some very experienced athletes who will be able to pass on invaluable advice,” said H.E. Ahmed Thani Al Romaithi, Chairman, ADSYC and Vice-President, UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation.

The young UAE sailors all compete in the National Sailing Championships which will enter a new season on 5th November.

ISAF President Carlo Croce said: “Every competitor taking part in the World Cup final, including world and Olympic champions, know how important it is to develop sailing at grass roots level.

“We’re inviting a number of them to join the young UAE club teams as part of our efforts, and those of our partners at Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, and the other UAE clubs, to drive the continued development of sailing in the Emirates and the Gulf region as a whole.”

Also beginning next Tuesday, against a backdrop of busy World Cup activity, ADSYC and ISAF will be conducting daily coaching sessions for the club’s team  of young Emirati laser sailors.

The ISAF 2015 World Cup Final will be launched by an official opening ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Theatre at 6.30 pm next Wednesday. This will be followed by four days of intense racing in eight of the the ten classes chosen for the 2016 Olympic sailing competition in Rio de Janeiro, as well as kitesurfing,

The race action takes place in the waters around Lulu Island, and there are ideal viewing locations along Abu Dhabi’s corniche, and close to the towering flagpole on the breakwater.

Sailing enthusiasts are also invited to visit the host club on each day of competition to see world  champions like Australia’s Mat Belcher and Will Ryan, Belgium’s Evi Van Acker, and world No.1 laser sailor Tom Burton, preparing for their latest gold medal bids.

“The club will be a hive of activity, and we’re encouraging members of the local sailing community, and visitors, to soak up the atmosphere surrounding the event,” said ISAF official Malcolm Page, the five-times former 470 class world champion and double Olympic gold medallist.