A squad of 12 young UAE sailors are all set to embark on a journey of hope to Italy today.
The dozen Optimist Class sailors, who will be accompanied by Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) sailing manager Sid Bensalah, are destined for Lake Garda where they will participate in an intensive training two-week clinic that concludes on August 28.
The UAE squad of Laser 4.7 Class sailors have their task cut out when they depart on a training clinic to Lake Garda in Italy today. |
The Laser 4.7 Class squad had been to Lake Garda last month for a similar training clinic there.
During their stay in Italy, the Laser 4.7 Class sailors also participated in the World Championships with the UAE's Adel Khalid putting up a stirling display to stand fifth in one of the races.
"It's not only about the vision we have to develop sailing here," Bensalah stated. "It is more about what the young sailors want to do and achieve in their sailing careers."
Since the establishment of the sailing wing in 1999, the sport has made huge inroads by way of popularity especially among the young UAE nationals.
There are at least 60 young sailors in the Laser 4.7 Class, and more than double that number in the Optimist Class.
"This just shows the international sailing world what we have achieved in just five years' time," Bensalah said.
The visit by the Optimist Class sailors to Italy is the last one before the official start of the sailing season.
Besides an exciting sailing season before them, the Laser 4.7 and Optimist youngsters will be participating in the Pan Arab Games in Algeria (September 21-October 8) and the annual Euromed Regatta in Malta (December 17-21).
Additionally, the Optimist Class sailors have to participate in the Swiss Championships Eatavayer to be held from September 17-20.
"For sure, we have our focus on the future. The clinic in Lake Garda will not be easy for our sailors as they will have to spend a lot of time on the water," Bensalah stated.
With this in mind, the organisers of the clinic have included some field trips and sight-seeing for the sailors during their stay in Italy.
"The fitness and sailing will be the main things. But also included is some mountain biking and some trips to Lake Ledro to watch some sailing races," he added.
"The weather at the moment is such that we are sure to experience varied sailing conditions during our stay there. This is a good thing as our sailors will learn much more," Bensalah said.
The UAE sailing team, which is sponsored by Emirates airline, will return on August 28.
