The Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) is thrilled with the successful bid for the ISAF Nations Cup.
"This successful bid from Dubai to host a regional final aptly displays our readiness to take the sport of sailing to a higher level," noted Saeed Hareb, Managing Director of the DIMC.
"By giving us the opportunity to stage such an important event, the ISAF has further shown its faith in us and in Dubai at staging world-class events," he added.
"We realise we have to make a start somewhere in taking the sport to a higher level. And by allowing Dubai to stage a Regional Final, the ISAF has shown its willingness to support new sailing destinations," noted Sid Bensalah, the Sailing Manager at DIMC.
"Our young sailors are thrilled with the prospect of being part of some international action, right here in our backyard," he added.
With an ambitious sailing programme in place barely half a decade ago, the sport has made rapid strides in the UAE. "We started off with four sailors in 2000. Now we have close to 500 youngsters and the number is increasing by the day," Bensalah stated.
"An event like the ISAF Regional Final will go a long way, not only in sustaining the interest of these young sailors, but also helping them chart a career path in sailing," he added.
Last season, the DIMC launched the ambitious eight-series Maktoum Trophy for the first time-ever in the UAE in an attempt to take the sport a step higher.
The Christophe Vanek-skippered FCB Horizon went on to clinch the top honours ahead of Serdal.
"Last year was great for sailing in the UAE. And with the Nations Cup, we are going to move even higher," Bensalah said.
