Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) has officially launched the 2026 Sailing Summer Camp, attracting wide participation from children of various nationalities. The camp provides young participants with professional training in modern sailing as part of the club's strategic vision to develop marine sports, expand community participation, and identify promising young talent. The initiative is held under the guidance and support of the Club's Board of Directors and reflects DIMC's commitment to preparing a new generation of athletes capable of representing the United Arab Emirates at local, regional, and international sporting events.
The summer camp, held at Bulgari Beach in Dubai, is designed for children and youth aged 6 to under 15 years old. In line with the club's mission of creating an inclusive sporting and educational environment, the program offers all members of the community the opportunity to learn modern sailing while discovering one of the UAE's most significant sports, deeply rooted in the nation's rich maritime heritage.
The first phase of the program will continue until 30 July, with training sessions taking place every Wednesday and Thursday. Participants are divided into two groups:
The introductory level of the program focuses on teaching participants the technical fundamentals of modern sailing. Training includes familiarization with the different parts and components of a sailing boat, boat preparation before sailing, proper use of safety equipment, correct seating positions, steering and boat handling techniques, maneuvering, and changing direction. In addition to technical skills, the program aims to build participants' self-confidence while developing discipline, teamwork, and responsibility, creating a strong foundation for future advanced training.
The camp represents the first step in Dubai International Marine Club's athlete development pathway. Participants begin by mastering the fundamentals before progressing through structured stages of development and competition, ultimately preparing to represent the UAE in local, regional, and international championships, in line with the club's vision of developing future champions.
The program is supervised by Yousef Khalid Al Bastaki, Chief Coach Leader at Dubai International Marine Club, who brings more than 25 years of experience in modern sailing. He began his sailing career in 2001 as an athlete at the club, representing DIMC in numerous local competitions before going on to represent the UAE in Gulf, Arab, and international championships, where he achieved several outstanding results and podium finishes.
Al Bastaki is also the first Emirati to earn the International Sailing Federation (World Sailing) Trainer of Trainers Certificate, which he received in 2012 with the support of the UAE National Olympic Committee and the UAE Sailing and Modern Rowing Federation. This achievement significantly contributed to strengthening the country's pool of nationally qualified coaches trained according to the highest international standards.
Throughout his career, Al Bastaki has held numerous technical and administrative positions, playing a key role in developing many athletes. He has represented the UAE as both a coach and administrator in several international competitions and was among the national coaches responsible for training the UAE Special Olympics sailing team. He continues to contribute actively to the development of sports talent programs across the country.
The Modern Sailing Summer Camp forms part of Dubai International Marine Club's long-term strategic initiatives aimed at expanding participation in marine sports, promoting a stronger maritime sports culture within the community, preserving the UAE's rich maritime heritage, and ensuring the sustainable growth of modern sailing while supporting the nation's continued sporting achievements.
Dubai International Marine Club has invited parents to register their children for the program, emphasizing that registration is open to all nationalities. Interested participants can register through the link available on the club's official Instagram account. The program offers an ideal opportunity for young people to discover modern sailing in a safe, professional training environment under the supervision of qualified Emirati coaches, while adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety.
