Abu Dhabi Signs Six-Year Deal to Host ISAF Sailing World Cup Final

Sailing regatta, the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final, is heading to the United Arab Emirates after the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) agreed a six-year deal.

The first event, due 26-30 November 2014, was initiated after a multi-stakeholder approach by Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club (ADSYC) with the support of the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation (UAE SARF) and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

“This is a major surge forward in Abu Dhabi’s campaign to be recognised as an international sailing hub and another fantastic opportunity for our youngsters to compete with and learn off the world’s best,” said HE Ahmed Thani Al Romaithi, Chairman, ADSYC and Vice-President, UAE SARF.

“It is somehow apt that the sailing world is convening in the Arabian Gulf which has such a long and rich maritime history and in Abu Dhabi which is bent on preserving its maritime heritage and traditions while building a destination attractive to sailors worldwide and nurturing young UAE sailors to take its ambitions forward.”

An associated deal sealed today between ISAF and TCA Abu Dhabi will also see the UAE capital host the 2016 ISAF Annual Conference when delegates, who include representatives of national governing bodies, class associations, leading industry personalities, manufacturers, sponsors and the media, discuss the hottest topics facing the sport. The 2016 Conference, which is estimated will deliver 1,500 hotel room nights to Abu Dhabi, will also feature a Presidential election.

“We have found a highly committed partner in Abu Dhabi and look forward to helping move forward the sailing ambitions of the emirate and the Arabian Gulf. This is a great opportunity for sailing as a sport,” said Carlo Croce, ISAF President.

“We have struck a ground-breaking partnership with a world-class destination for a Tier-1 event.”

The 2014 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final will take place in Abu Dhabi from 26-30 November. Around 350 sailors from 20 countries are expected in Abu Dhabi to compete in all 10 Olympic events and a kite-surfing event, in and around Lulu Island off the UAE capital’s stunning Corniche.

The events will be covered by the international sailing media and an ISAF television audience in over 100 countries.

“This year’s Final is only three weeks before Abu Dhabi hosts a Volvo Ocean Race stopover when again, the city will be alive with all things maritime, sailing and entertainment,” said Sheikh Khaled Zayed Saqr Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Sailing & Rowing Federation.