With RAK Sailing Academy (RAKSA) all set to host its first ever race the Neptune Offshore Race on March 15, RAKSA team’s skipper Enrico Malingiri believes this is just a start of sailing culture that will encourage more youngsters to come up and take up this sport.
“The UAE has the ideal sailing conditions for most part of the year. While sailing as a sport is still picking up there is a very high potential to train youngsters for future Olympic events and represent UAE on an international platform,” he said.
Organised by Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) in association with Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, the Race will take place on March 15 and 16 from Dubai to RAK. So far seven boats have registered to participate in the race but the numbers can go with registrations open till Thursday.
“If the sailing clubs of neighbouring emirates start collaborating on inter-emirates races and getting participation from residents – nationals and expats – the sport of sailing and other water based activities will witness a growth spurt,” he added.
Malingiri stressed there were big plans from the Academy which will also include road shows to encourage more participants to take up sailing.
“We have big plans. We are just a couple of months old and we are planning a few road shows within the village to encourage residents and visitors to learn more about the academy.
“Additionally, we are also looking at 14 Emirati’s to start training for next year’s Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2014 and represent UAE on several other international platforms. All you need to have is the spirit and a streak of adventure to sail along with us,” he added.
“Neptune Off-shore Race is exactly what is needed to link the Yachts Club and give UAE sailors the platform to step up from the usual Friday club race to higher levels of skill and seaman ship. RAK Sailing Academy team, supported by the Royal Yacht Club and Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, will do its best to be active in any available race in UAE. This race was on the calendar just in time as some of our first students are ready for it. It’s the perfect occasion to hoist the racing flag for Rak Sailing Academy,” he noted.
Jose M. Fraile, a student of RAKSA, who will be participating in a full race for the first time, said: “I am very excited about it. I actually started learning to sail only a few months ago, this is of course a major milestone for me.
The Dubai-resident added: “Sailing has always been appealing for me but it was more kind of a dream than a realistic target. After moving to Dubai five years ago, I decided that I would start enjoying more the sea. However, due to work schedule and other constraints, it has taken me a very long while to reach this point. Now I started sailing and I do it purely as a sport and I must confess that I really enjoy it.”
