Leisure and sports activities are booming in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), entertaining locals and tourists alike in this growing emirate. In fact, transforming the region into a thriving tourist destination has been a focus of RAK’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Coastal activities are among the more popular draws. For example, water-sport enthusiasts flock to Al Hamra Marina, a world-class marina catering to those who love sailing and traveling the open seas.
As he has done with other sectors of the RAK economy, Sheikh Saud has implemented measures that serve to both spur tourism and enhance local quality of life. One result is a new a showplace facility for both visitors and residents interested in the sport of sailing. In fact, the recent opening of RAK Sailing Academy at Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club was set up by Italy’s noted Malingri di Bagnolo sailing family.
Equipped with vessels from dinghies to catamarans, the sailing academy offers rental sailboats to use over the different courses maintained by the academy. Beginners will find a variety of classes taught by instructors following International Sailing Federation rules.
The RAK Sailing Academy promotes sailing in the emirate by hosting events throughout the year for sailing enthusiasts. The Dubai-to-RAK boat race on March 15, 2013, featured a vessel from the academy with a crew of seasoned instructors and three students competing against the Dubai International Marine Club in a race from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah.
Another highpoint in the brief history of the RAK Sailing Academy was its designation as the host of the fourth leg of Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2013 in February. The event featured international sailing yachts that included teams from the region. The world media also took note of Ras Al Khaimah as a potential host for future international and regional sailing events.
The Al Hamra Marina, the home of the RAK Sailing Academy, has mooring facilities for vessels up to 90-feet long and 200 wet berths to accommodate boats and yachts. Catering to boating and sailing enthusiasts, the marina is the location of the Royal Yacht Club. The marina also offers guests of nearby Al Hamra Village the opportunity to charter a sailing yacht and crew for private excursions for the day or weekend.
Another sailing facility in the area is the Barasti Sailing Club & Coastal Sea School, located at the most northerly port in Ras al Khaimah, Al Jeer port. Visitors to the Barasti Sailing Club & Coastal Sea School can enjoy a two-hour dinghy sailing session under the guidance of a qualified instructor. These family sailing weekends are hosted throughout the year. Amenities available before or after sailing include a clubhouse facility with food and beverages. Plus, 266 marina berths are available with showers and changing facilities nearby.
The growing popularity of sailing in Ras Al Khaimah speaks to the commitment of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi to providing activities to attract tourists and visitors to the emirate by providing world-class facilities and events.
