Seventy boats take part in Sailing championship

Dubai: Over 70 boats participated in the UAE National Championships at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

The two-day competition involved optimist, laser, catamaran and open dinghy classes on Friday and Saturday.

It was the season's inaugural event under the auspices of the newly formed governing body, the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation (UAESARF).

The championship brought together not just the sailors but also the local clubs of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), Abu Dhabi International Marine Sailing Club (ADIMSC), Emirates Sailing School (ESS) and AD Cats from Abu Dhabi.

The youngest on the water was nine-year-old Aline Jacobs in her first racing season and the oldest was Andy Wilkins who, at 72, is a remarkable example of his active lifestyle.

The eight rounds will be held at the different clubs with the exception of the events on January 29 and 30, which will be offshore from the Jumeirah Beach and Burj Al Arab hotels. This will be sponsored by the Jumeirah Group.

The next round will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sailing Club on December 11 and 12.