|
|
Abu Dhabi uses world stage to inspire young UAE sailors
Moves to draw a new generation
of young Emiratis into sailing and steer the UAE's brightest young talent
towards the top level are being boosted by the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup
Final in Abu Dhabi this week.
The climax to the World Cup series has brought an illustrious gathering of
elite sailors to the UAE capital to battle for gold medals, a prospect which
can inspire dozens of school children rubbing shoulders with the sport's best
athletes.
Regatta hosts Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club (ADSYC) and ISAF, the
International Sailing Federation, are using the World Cup stage to build for
the future with the support of ADS Securities and Abu Dhabi Tourism and
Culture Authority.
This afternoon (Tuesday), a group of World Cup qualifiers joined teams of
young optimist sailors from ADSYC, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Emirates
Heritage Club and Abu Dhabi Sailing Club (ADSC) as they competed against
other in a round robin series of races.
Meanwhile, in a move which reflects the true spirit of sailing camaraderie,
ADSC has relocated its entire sailing school activities to the World Cup
venue this week in order to reinforce Abu Dhabi's grass roots initiative.
Each day up until Saturday young sailors getting to know the sport will
undergo extensive instruction using six Optimist boats and six Laser 4.7s. At
the same time, ADSYC and ISAF will be conducting daily coaching sessions for
the host club's own team of young Emirati laser sailors.
Sailing enthusiasts and others interested in getting to know more about the
sport will equally find ADSYC a friendly and receptive host this week, with
four days of racing starting at 12 noon on Thursday following the previous
evening's official opening ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Theatre.
They will all have opportunities to meet and observe defending World Cup
champions and gold medal hopefuls preparing for competition, and go out on to
the water themselves on spectator boats for a close-up view of race action.
Australia's Mat Belcher and Will Ryan in the 470 class, Belgium's Evi Van
Acker in the Laser Radials, Austria's Lara Vadlau and Jolanta Ogar in the
women's 470s, Britain's Bryony Shaw in the women's RS:X class, and fellow
countryman Oliver Bridge in the open kiteboard competition, are among those
defending their World Cup titles in Abu Dhabi.
Courtesy of Abu Dhabi-based Pindar Sailing, a special spectator attraction at
ADSYC will be the majestic Volvo 60 Etihad Towers, the powerful racing yacht
designed specifically for the purpose of around the world ocean racing.
Normally available for charter, the boat will welcome aboard spectators keen
to take a look around one of the world's fastest 60-foot racing machines
which will also be used for a few trips out to the World Cup final race courses.
More event details can be found at http://www.sailing.org/worldcup/home.php
Attention Sailing Organizations & PR Agencies:
Add us to your distribution list, contact us today
|
|