More than 30 boats expected to enter race

Dubai: At least 30 boats are expected to line up for the Bin Zayed Group Beneteau Regatta this weekend, say organisers Duboats.

The regatta will take place at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) on Saturday.

Christophe Vanek, general manager for Beneteau, said: "We already have 26 boats confirming, and we expect a few more to do so in the next few days."

Entry will stay open until the start of the race and the competition will be held in two separate divisions - the spinnaker class and the non-spinnaker class.

Organisers are drawing-up a triangular course starting from the DOSC, going round the island towards Deira and then heading back to the Burj Al Arab.

Olympic sailor

Vanek, a former America's Cup sailor, is set to take part in his new BMW Team Duboat. Accompanying him will be UAE Olympian Adil Khalid along with other sailors from UAE.

The general manager said: "The Bin Zayed Group Beneteau Cup has been growing in popularity over the past two years with an increase in the number of participants and people.

"We are proud of what we have achieved, though we would have been happier to be even ahead of what was initially planned in keeping with the development taking place here."

Keith Mutch, the DOSC manager, added: "The regatta will be an ideal day out for the entire family."

Saturday will start with a welcome brunch for all participants from 9.30am. The race is due to start at 1pm.