Twenty-three participants, both boys and girls aged between 6 and under 15 years old, have successfully completed the first half of the Dubai Summer Sailing Camp, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC). The camp is part of the club’s ongoing initiatives to attract young people to marine sports and promote maritime culture. The program will continue until the end of July at Bulgari Beach, Dubai.
During the second week of the program, participants completed their first independent sailing session, where they put into practice the skills they had learned during previous training sessions. They demonstrated encouraging progress in boat handling, understanding wind direction, and following safety procedures and coaching instructions.
All participants successfully passed their first sailing assessment, reflecting their ability to quickly grasp the fundamental sailing skills while showing significant technical development in modern sailing. They also displayed excellent discipline and commitment by attending the early morning training sessions on time.
Having reached the halfway point of the program, participants showed noticeable improvement in both learning speed and responsiveness to technical guidance. Training sessions included physical fitness and warm-up exercises, understanding wind direction and how to utilize it while sailing, learning the correct seating position inside the boat, and mastering steering, boat control, maneuvering, and changing direction.
Participants also received hands-on training in assembling and preparing a sailing boat, learning the names and functions of its main components and equipment, and understanding how each part is used. This practical knowledge has strengthened their technical understanding and prepared them to progress from basic instruction to practical on-water sailing.
Captain Yousif Khalid Al Bastaki, Head Coach at the Dubai International Marine Club and supervisor of the program, said:
"Reaching the halfway stage of the program with this level of progress is a very positive outcome that reflects the participants' enthusiasm and genuine desire to learn. Their success in the first independent sailing session demonstrates their ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills on the water."
He added:
"We sincerely thank all the participants for their commitment and discipline. We also extend our appreciation to the parents for attending the training sessions and continuously encouraging their children. Their support plays an important role in building the participants' confidence and motivating them to continue learning and enjoying this wonderful sport."
Al Bastaki confirmed that the program will continue until 30 July, after which participants will complete a final assessment to evaluate the skills and knowledge they have acquired before being awarded Level One Training Program Completion Certificates.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Dubai International Marine Club, led by Dr. Ahmed Saeed Bin Meshar, the Board of Directors, and Mohammed Abdullah Harib, Executive Director, for their continuous support of training programs and Olympic and modern sports initiatives, as well as their commitment to providing an ideal environment for promoting marine sports awareness within the community.
The program reflects the Dubai International Marine Club's social and sporting mission to introduce young generations to the UAE's rich maritime heritage while strengthening their connection to the sea through an educational experience that combines learning, enjoyment, and discipline. It also contributes to developing essential maritime skills and fostering a culture of sports among young participants.
The Club encourages parents interested in introducing their children to the sport of modern sailing to take advantage of the opportunity, as registration for the program remains open through the link available on the Club's official Instagram account. The camp offers young participants a rewarding sporting experience that builds confidence, develops valuable skills, and helps discover the next generation of promising sailing talent.
