Abu Dhabi: Demand for sailing lessons from Abu Dhabi schools is mounting following a students’ tour programme of the Volvo Ocean Race stopover village on the UAE capital’s Corniche Breakwater.
Some 1,526 students from 13 schools in Abu Dhabi toured the village — which celebrates the stopover of the round-the-world race fleet and the emirate’s rich sailing heritage — getting insights into the sport, the race and local maritime history.
Some students had Ian Walker, the double-Olympic silver medallist and skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, conduct their tour. He recounted his personal experience in racing Abu Dhabi’s yacht Azzam, which is now berthed at the village.
“I would say that, regardless of nationality, the kids have all been extremely interested, with many leaving asking where they can learn to sail,” Walker said. “It’s really heartening for the future of sailing here.”
Students from British, Emirati, French and international schools have also explored many other watersports opportunities available in the emirate during their time at the village, which is open and free of charge to the public on weekdays from 12pm until 9pm and on weekends from 11am until midnight until January 3. Opening times on December 25 differ, with the village accepting visitors from 4pm until 10pm.
“Since the last Volvo Ocean Race stopover, Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club has been working with both private and public schools in the city to develop a youth sailing programme,” said Majed Ateeq Al Muhairi, the club’s CEO. “The programme has been a great success, with many young sailors learning and competing to represent their schools in our School Sailing League.
“During this stopover we are hosting school visits, free try sailing sessions and the youth academy. This is a great opportunity to highlight our various programmes and we hope that the Volvo Ocean Race will inspire more young sailors to join us on the water.”
Full details of Abu Dhabi’s stopover village activities are available on wwwvolvooceanraceabudhabi.ae.
