Over 200 take part in National Day Regatta

The regatta was organised under the authority of the UAE Marine Sports Federation.

Besides the ESS team, the participants were from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and a number of sailing clubs in the country like Jebel Ali Sailing Club (JAC), Dubai International Marine Sports Club (DIMSC), the Abu Dhabi Sailing Club, and the Catamaran Association, in addition to a number of individuals from expatriate communities.

“The event highlights the EHC’s keenness to share with the nation its celebrations,” Abdulaah Mohammed Al Obaidly, ESS Director, told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the event.

“It is also a part and parcel of the EHC’s efforts to promote marine sports in the country,” he said.

The two-day competition includes nine categories Optimist Dinghies (Junior and Senior), Topper Dinghies, Laser 4.7, Catamarans, Kestrels, Laser Standard, Laser Radial and Cruisers.

The regatta is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2005-2008, published by the International Sailing Associations Federation (Isaf) and the UAE National Championship Series Rules, which are edited by the UAE Marine Sports Federation, and the rules of each class concerned, besides the sailing instructions. “The race jury comprises members from different countries like Egypt, France and Brazil,” he said.

Shaikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan will award the three first toppers in each category lucrative prize money and trophies in a special event that would take place at 7.30pm today at the Raha Beach Hotel,” he said.