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America’s Cup Legacy Attracts World-Class Events to Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Sailing Federation and Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina have announced three major sailing events and a new sporting team initiative aimed at boosting sailing participation and enhancing performance in Saudi Arabia, while positioning Jeddah as a prominent global sailing destination.

The 2024 Women’s Match Racing World Championship, the 2024 Youth Match Racing World Championship, and the Red Sea 600 will be hosted at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina in November and December 2024.

A performance partnership with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will expedite the establishment of a Saudi women’s team and a Saudi youth team, providing them the opportunity to compete at an international level in these prestigious World Championships.

These dynamic initiatives build upon the success of the America’s Cup Pre-Regatta, which took place in Jeddah in December 2023. The introduction of this esteemed international trophy aimed to promote the growth of sailing in the Kingdom, drawing an impressive crowd of 48,000 at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina and along the Corniche to witness the thrilling action.

Samia Bagdady, CEO of the Saudi Sailing Federation, expressed:

“We are capitalizing on the success we experienced at the America’s Cup Pre-Regatta last year. These three upcoming events, coupled with our collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, will further highlight the sport of sailing in Saudi Arabia. We are dedicated to establishing Saudi Arabia as a positive force in international sailing. Notably, Saudi women will compete in the Women’s Match Racing World Championship, marking a historic milestone. Our young Saudi sailors will also have the opportunity to compete against some of the best young sailors worldwide, providing invaluable experience. Additionally, the Red Sea 600 will welcome all sailors, both local and international.”

Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events, commented:

“The Pre-Regatta in Jeddah last year was an exceptional event. We experienced fantastic racing conditions in the Red Sea, enjoyed great weather, and received a warm welcome from the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Sailing Federation. Our mission was to leave a positive sailing legacy in Saudi Arabia, inspiring local communities to engage with the sport and showcasing the region as a prime sailing destination. The recent initiatives by the Saudi Sailing Federation and Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina illustrate the significant impact of the America’s Cup in the area.”

Alrayan Gadouri, Head of Venues at Sela, the organization behind Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, shared insights about their collaboration with Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron:

“The excellent facilities and remarkable sailing conditions at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina make it an attractive venue for world-class event organizers. We aim to demonstrate that Jeddah is an ideal locale for hosting major regattas and high-performance training camps. Our JYC Academy is equipped with state-of-the-art sailing facilities. With the mentoring and coaching provided through our collaboration with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club, we believe that Saudi women and youth sailors will progress quickly and compete at an international level. Furthermore, we have established the Red Sea 600 race, inviting local and international sailors to participate in offshore racing along the stunning Red Sea coastline.”

David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, remarked:

“World Sailing is committed to developing the sport globally, and increasing participation and skill levels in emerging regions, such as Saudi Arabia, is essential to our strategy.”

The inaugural Red Sea 600, created through the partnership between the Saudi Sailing Federation and Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, marks the first offshore race on the Red Sea. Scheduled to start on 23rd November, this race is open for yachts measuring up to 100ft and catamarans up to 70ft. Further details, including the Notice of Race, can be found at www.redsea600.com.

The World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship will take place from 29th November to 2nd December and is open to competitors under the age of 23 as of 31 December 2024. Crews will consist of four or five members, including at least one male and one female sailor, with a total weight limit of 350kg.

The Women’s Match Racing World Championship is scheduled from 5th to 8th December, promising an exciting lineup of talent and competition.

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