Clubwise - November 2, 2002

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities. We also bring you bits of news from other such groups. So that you know what is happening when, where and why.

This week: Jebel Ali Sailing Club

Residents of the Emirates have to wait for over eight months to enjoy being outdoors and now that good weather is finally here there is nothing better than spending endless hours sailing in the deep blue sea.

The Jebel Ali Sailing Club (JASC), a non-profit organisation, was officially inaugurated in 1977 by a group of sailing enthusiasts. His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum gifted the property, which is at Mina Seyahi, to them; and today the club proudly boasts of having 1,500 members of various nationalities.

The aim of the club is to promote sailing as a hobby. Over the years, the club has grown to become one of the most active sailing clubs in the Gulf. It provides certified training courses to help students reach the world championship level. In addition to this the JASC also conducts lessons in windsurfing and kayaking. "Various local schools have signed up with us to teach young boys and girls how to windsurf. It is an exciting and fun sport to learn," says Sharon Allison club assistant.

Since its beginning the club has come a long way and has reached world-class standard. It conducts weekly racing and training sessions. JASC is closely linked to the Dubai International Marine Club and has helped experience sailors to attend many international sailing events. In 1998 a local British member Robert Carver came first in the Topper World Championship in France.

"We are open to everybody and anybody who enjoys sailing around UAE; and we encourage our active sailors to train and participate in international competitions," says Sharon.

Though the club recommends becoming a member to enjoy various activities on board, it is open for non-members as well. Courses can be tailor-made to suit a small group of six people. They have monthly sailing lessons for those who are interested in learning how to manoeuvre a boat. The lessons are generally held on a Friday or Saturday morning or sometimes Wednesday evenings. The course is directly linked to the syllabus of the Royal Yachting Association of Great Britain. The fees for the course vary for members and non-members and the course results in learning at sea for over 12 hours.

There is an initial joining fee after which there is an annual membership, which is of various kinds. There is a full family or single membership, where the member is entitled to use all the clubs facilities. For kids below the age of 14 a junior membership is available; however prior sailing records will be checked. And for visiting guests of members there is temporary membership.

In the coming year the club will host the first ever UAE national topper championship. The competition will be open to a majority of sailing clubs around the Emirates and the Gulf. "This is the first time ever and we are getting a professional coach to train our students for the coming sailing season," says Sharon.