As part of its community initiatives and in cooperation with the Beit Al Khair Society, the Dubai International Marine Club organized a visit to the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix for a group of orphan children in the race area.
The purpose of this visit was to bring joy to the orphaned children and acquaint them with this globally significant event. The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix is considered the largest sailing event held globally. During the visit, they learned about the ten international participating teams from different continents worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, Canada, France, Britain, Germany, Spain, Denmark, and Switzerland.
The Beit Al Khair delegation had the unique opportunity to meet top-ranking international stars in the sport of sailing, including Olympic achievers participating in the technical crews of the teams. These included Sir Ben Ainslie, captain of the (UK) Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, Jimmy Spithill of Team Australia, and Taylor Canfield from the USA team, as well as the Danish Nicolai Sehested and other stars.
The orphan children's delegation was accompanied on the introductory tour by the ambassador of modern sailing and the Emirates World Champion, our national team star, Adil Khaled. He provided them with a comprehensive explanation of the teams' work, technical and administrative bodies, and details about the teams' operations using new technologies.
During the visit, the delegation explored the teams’ preparation area, the technical rooms for the organizing committee’s work, and gained insights into the method of organizing the race. They also learned about the role of the technical staff inside and outside the competition field and the secrets of operating the 50 footer Catamaran boats, team selection, efforts to enhance performance using modern technology and standards, and initiatives for environmental preservation and clean energy.
As part of the visit, the delegation stopped at the American team headquarters, where they received a warm welcome from the American team leader, Taylor Canfield. He provided a comprehensive explanation, accompanied by Emirati champion Adil Khaled. The team members took souvenir photos with the delegation in appreciation of the visit.
At the headquarters of the Australian team (last year’s 2022 Dubai Award champion), led by American sailing legend Captain James Spithill, the delegation explored the team museum, which showcased the awards the team has won in the past three seasons, adorning the team’s headquarters.