aBU DHABI // The roar of the UIM Formula 1 powerboat engines subsided last weekend as the Breakwater in the capital city now turns into a serene backdrop filled with sailboats interspersed and kite surfers.
The ISAF Sailing World Cup Final makes its debut in Abu Dhabi starting Thursday, spread across four days, and includes 10 Olympic events, with sailors battling for a share of the US$200,000 (Dh735,000) prize.
Also on hand will be an open kiteboard competition.
The competition includes just 20 of the best boats in the world in each of the 10 competitions.
The official opening of the ISAF World Cup Final took place yesterday and the competition proper begins after today’s practice run.
“It’s a great honour for me to be here, because we have a very important regatta, which will be the future of our sport,” ISAF president Carlo Croce said at the opening ceremony at the Breakwater yesterday.
“We’ve been following a dream and a vision. The vision is to make the sailors part of the professional life and help them in this path.
“When we came here three or four months ago, I never thought we might be able to put all of what you see in place. It’s been a miracle by the people working here, who I thank very much. I am also thankful to all of you here today – we have 197 boats, 40 nations, 270 athletes and more than 20 Olympic medallists.
“It’s the best of the best of the world and I really thank you on behalf of ISAF for accepting our invitation.”
The Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, hosts of the event, are utilising the star names competing at the regatta to highlight the sport of sailing in the Emirati capital.
Olympians Sofia Bekatorou and Konstantinos Trigonis, both of Greece, made visits to local schools. World No 1 Laser sailor Tom Burton of Australia and 2013 49er FX World Champion Alex Maloney of New Zealand are both set to participate in events where local children are being encouraged to take up the sport.
“It is a good legacy for the local people and the youngsters,” Croce said. “I know some of you went around the schools showing the young people how our sport is developing. No better ambassadors could be found outside this group.
“I really think we have the first step for a future World Cup system that will really help all of you making a living out of sailing.
“As an old sailor, it’s always been a problem, so thank you very much for coming.”
The Sailing World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi seeks to be a water-sport fiesta, which culminates with another spectacle when the boats in the Volvo Ocean Race arrive from Cape Town for a stopover in Abu Dhabi in two weeks.
apassela@thenational.ae
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