Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy Celebrates Young Sailors Across Competitive Divisions

The Academy's third internal sailing race brought together more than 40 competitors from across its branches, refining skills and identifying emerging talent for future national and international competitions.

The waters around Abu Dhabi witnessed a morning of spirited competition as the Marine Sports Club Academy concluded its third internal sailing race, drawing together a diverse cohort of young competitors from the organisation’s Abu Dhabi and Al Mirfa locations. Across seven distinct categories spanning the Optimist and ILCA classes, more than 40 sailors tested their mettle against one another, each race serving as both a milestone in their development and a window into their potential for future achievements.

The Optimist Under-10 category saw Hamad Al Mheiri emerge victorious, with Hazza Ibrahim Sultan Ibrahim securing second place and Saud Ali Mohammed completing the podium. Among the younger female sailors, Al Massa Mohammed Ali Al Marzouqi claimed the Optimist Girls title, whilst her counterpart Al Mazoon Mohammed Ali Al Marzouqi finished second. In the Optimist Boys division, Theyab Al Mheiri claimed first place ahead of Ali Ibrahim Sultan Ibrahim and Hamad Al Mheiri.

The ILCA divisions showcased the Academy’s more advanced competitors. Abdulrahman Al Bahri triumphed in the ILCA 4 Under-14 category, followed by Al Yazia Al Hammadi and Sultan Ibrahim Sultan. Marwa Al Hammadi dominated the ILCA 4 Girls competition, with Al Yazia Al Hammadi and Mahra Al Marzouqi rounding out the top three. Abdullah Al Zubaidi secured victory in the ILCA 4 Boys category ahead of Rashid Sultan Al Dhaheri and Omar Qandil. The ILCA 7 Men’s race culminated in a win for Othman Abdulkarim Al Hammadi, with Hamza Ismail Al Ali and Simeon Hristov following closely.

Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Director of the Academy, reflected on the significance of these regular competitions within the broader development framework. Internal sailing races, he explained, form an essential component of the Academy’s sailor development programme, offering participants crucial opportunities to transition from the classroom environment of training into the lived experience of competitive racing. These events enable the Academy’s technical teams to conduct meaningful assessments of performance, identifying both strengths to build upon and areas requiring refinement.

The Academy’s commitment extends beyond the immediate competition. As we reported in our coverage of traditional marine sports preservation, the UAE continues to nurture its maritime heritage whilst developing new generations of competitive sailors. The third round forms part of a season-long series designed to monitor progress systematically, enhance competitive capabilities, and identify promising talents for advancement to higher competitive tiers, ultimately preparing them to represent both the Club and the UAE at regional and international championships.

Al Suwaidi spoke of the Academy’s philosophy with quiet conviction. Every round, he noted, offers a fresh opportunity for sailors to accumulate experience and build the confidence essential for competitive success, particularly among younger age groups. The focus remains steadfast on developing both technical mastery and mental resilience whilst cultivating a culture of genuine sporting competition.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

These internal sailing races represent more than a ceremonial marking of achievement; they constitute a deliberate investment in Abu Dhabi’s maritime sporting future. By identifying and nurturing talented young sailors through structured, progressive competition, the Academy strengthens the pool of athletes capable of advancing the UAE’s standing in international sailing competitions. The diversity of the fleet participating across seven categories demonstrates the breadth of engagement across different age groups and skill levels.

The Academy’s systematic approach to sailor development, combining regular training with carefully structured competitive opportunities, reflects a sophisticated understanding of athlete development. As these young competitors progress through the Academy’s divisions and potentially represent Abu Dhabi and the UAE on larger stages, they carry forward the tradition of maritime excellence that remains central to the emirate’s identity and contemporary sporting ambitions.

Source: WAM