Special Features
Sir Bani Yas to host the island’s first offshore sailing race
Tourism Development and Investment Company will host the first Offshore Sailing Race on Sir Bani Yas Island in the emirate’s Western region on April 18. Organised in partnership with Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas, Rotana Jet, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover, the event is expected to bring together 90 sailing enthusiasts aboard 13 sailing boats on a non-stop race from Sir Bani Yas Island to Dubai.John Cole, Senior Asset Manager for Sir Bani Yas Corporate Operations at TDIC, said: "We’re so excited to be hosting the first offshore race on Sir Bani Yas. There’s a real thrill to this event because it’s the first race to kick off from the island and at the same time a first for the sailors who will be venturing into these waters. We strongly believe that such an event can put Sir Bani Yas on to the sailing map especially since it offers the best of what sailors and sport enthusiasts look for - a breath-taking location, quality service and a secure marina berthing." The two-day race will see sailors put their skills and experience not just against each other, but also against the sea as they race to the finish line at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) - 175 nautical miles away. Setting out from Sir Bani Yas Island, the sailors will be taking on one of the oldest trading routes in the region. The racing event will be concluded in Dubai with a prize-giving ceremony.
Gareth Lloyd, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club General Manager said: "DOSC is delighted to be involved in this fantastic event, which provides a great opportunity to visit one of the UAEs premier destinations. The uptake from the members has been fantastic and everyone is looking forward to discovering the delights of Sir Bani Yas Island." Mark Eletr, Island Cluster General Manager, Anantara Hotels, Resorts ’&’ Spas, said: "We are excited about welcoming both the competitors and spectators for this very first yacht racing event which promises to be visual spectacle off the western coast of Abu Dhabi. Sporting events such as the Sir Bani Yas Offshore Race provide a unique platform to reach out to new consumer markets for our three resorts on the island and to further raise the profile of Sir Bani Yas and all the incredible adventures that are available both on and off the water. " On April 10, a week prior to the race, sailors will set sail from the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club to Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, where they will rest before heading out to the south side of Sir Bani Yas the next morning. Expected to arrive at Sir Bani Yas on April 12, sailors will berth and be given the opportunity to either fly back to Dubai and prepare for the main race, which will take place on April 18.
