The Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club (ADSYC) at the Breakwaters will turn into a hive of activities with over 200 sailors from 28 countries vie for honours in the annual Abu Dhabi Open Regatta from October 16-19.
The competition, one of the biggest in the Middle East, includes six categories; Optimist Overall, Optimist Junior for boys and girls, Optimist Laser 4.7, Laser Radial and Laser Standard.
The Abu Dhabi Open Regatta is the first in the list of several competitions organized by the ADSYC in association with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) that also include Asian Olympic Qualifier on March 15-21.
HE Thani Murshid Al Rumaithi, Vice-President of the Emirates Sailing and Rowing Federation and Chairman of ADSYC, said the annual Abu Dhabi Open Regatta is an important event in the UAE’s sailing calendar of events.
“This event has drawn always had good response from sailors around the world to make it truly an international competition,” he said.
“Needless to say it also provides the local youth to compete against some of the best sailors from around the world and develop the sport both in the country and across the region.”
In attendance at the launch ceremony were; Talal Al Hashimi, ADSC’s Director of Sports Development, HE Majid Ateeq Al Muhairi, ADSYC’s Executive Director, and Renner Jarkins, Events Manager at Abu Dhabi Club for modern sailing and yachting.
The participating countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, GBR, Greece, Ireland, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Russia, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Slovenia, Turkey, Thailand, Ukraine, USA and the UAE.
