Dubai – Masaader News
Leading international sailors from the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Oman to participate in third round of prestigious youth sailing competition; over 40 sailors expected to compete in 12 races during the five-day event
The Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah is preparing to welcome some of sailings brightest prospects when it hosts the third round of the Asian Youth Sailing Cup from the 3 – 7 April at Ras Al Khaimah’s leading marina.
The event, organised by The Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF), the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation and Al Hamra, will welcome over 40 sailors aged between nine and 18 to compete in a series of sailing classes, including the Optimist, and Laser 4.7 in the penultimate stage of the competition. Winners will be decided during the final stage held in Thailand next month.
“We’re pleased to once again be hosting the ASAF Youth Sailing Championship. Last year the conditions were excellent and made for some very exciting races. We’re hopeful we can replicate that success with another excellent event, underscoring Al Hamra Marina’s sailing credentials and firmly putting us on the map to host future events of this calibre,” said Benoy Kurien, Al Hamra General Manager.
Al Hamra Marina is widely recognised as the best area for sailing in the emirate thanks to the favourable wind and water conditions which create an optimum environment for both competitive and leisure sailors. The 200-berth marina, which is located within the Al Hamra Village residential complex, is able to accommodate vessels up to 130-feet long and has witnessed increased demand in recent years.
Designed by Europe’s leading pontoon supplier Poralu Marine, Al Hamra Marina is a significant fuelling stop for vessels and guests in the Arabian Gulf, offering a full range of marine facilities. It has been the four-time host of the UAE National Sailing Championships, with the 2016 instalment attracting top competitors including Adil Khalid, one of the UAE’s most decorated yachtsman.
It has also previously hosted the Alinghi catamaran campaign for the 33rd America’s Cup in 2010 and was a stopover point for the 2015 Sailing Arabia Tour, which visited seven marinas across the Gulf.
“Our reputation as a hub for water sport enthusiasts is helping to attract some of the region’s most promising sailors. Our new facility is also acting as a draw for residents’ keen to partake in some of the best sailing the region has to offer,” added Kurien.
Al Hamra is Ras Al Khaimah’s largest real estate developer and investment company, with entities including Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club, the Al Hamra Golf Club, Al Hamra Mall, Manar Mall, the multi-award-winning Al Hamra Village and Al Hamra Real Estate Development. The company is also the developer of the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the Ritz Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach as well as the Hilton Al Hamra Golf and Beach Resort, all forming part of the prestigious Al Hamra leisure and hospitality offering.