Optimist regatta opens

Dubai International Marine Club was the scene of the opening of the Second Dubai International Optimist Regatta.

Seven countries flying their national flag sailed past the enthusiastic crowd of spectators, amongst whom was the President of the Maltese Olympic Committee, Philip Pseila.

The opening ceremony took place inside Mina Seyahi Harbour, where the General manager of the UAE MSF, Saeed Hareb welcomed all the competitors and officials of the Regatta.

In his opening remarks he expressed his satisfaction in seeing many young competitors gathered here in Dubai and especially at DIMC.

Hoisting the flag to open the event was Mohammed Khalifa Hareb, the Captain of the UAE Optimist Sailing Team and one of the top Arab Optimist Sailors.

Today the first race of the five day event will start at 1430 hrs and should feature some of the top sailors from Malta, Egypt and Algeria.

Sailing o their home waters should give the UAE Optimist Sailing Team a huge advantage and the stars of the team, Omar Shahine, Hakim Dasmal and Mohamed Khalifa Hareb should be up with the leaders.