Bahrain’s standing as an international venue for major sporting events was further strengthened today with the official launch of Sailing Arabia – The Tour (SATT) by Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Olympics Committee.

Set against the backdrop of Bahrain’s spectacular Amwaj Marina, Sheikh Nasser said it was pleasing to see the Kingdom represented at the highest level of international sailing and the first-time inclusion of an entry from Bahrain.

Team Bahrain is one of nine entries in the second edition of Sailing Arabia – The Tour and is being led by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Daij Al Khalifa who was also present at the launch.

The race was scheduled to start at 1400hrs, but was postponed due to strong winds in the region. The fleet is scheduled to get away at 0800 hours on Monday.

Sheikh Nasser said that launching the race from Bahrain was particularly fitting given the announcement of the Kingdom as the Capital of Arabian Culture.

“The Kingdom is very proud and this race is a great platform to reflect the amazing sailing talent we have within the region and a great test of the skills of our sailors in a truly international sailing event," he said.

“The race serves to highlight the strong relations we enjoy between GCC countries and the preservation of our maritime heritage that is driven from our past, connecting our strong history with the seas to the modern day.” 

He assured that he would lend his full support to the Kingdom to ensure Bahrain continues to attract and host world-class sailing events.

Now in its second year, SATT is a unique offshore yacht race that brings the nations of the Gulf together and further establishes the region as an international sailing destination. It is the second time that Bahrain has been selected as the starting point for the race.

Oman Sail chief executive officer David Graham told guests that one of the main objectives of Sailing Arabia – The Tour was to develop an international event that provided a platform for promising sailors in the region to compete in their home waters and hone their skills with the aid of international expertise.

The teams will race over 14 days and cover 1408km with stopovers in Doha, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Musandam, Mussanah and conclude in Muscat, Oman.
 - TradeArabia News Service