Abu Dhabi sets the stage for a fascinating conclusion to the ISAF Sailing World Cup this week, with the sport’s top athletes heading into four days of intense race competition at the end of a year-round journey towards gold medal glory.
In six of the eight classes which will see action in the UAE capital, defending champions will be aiming to repeat last year’s World Cup final success in Abu Dhabi in order to carry another world title towards next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Carlo Croce, President of ISAF, the International Sailing Federation, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Abu Dhabi which proved to be such a wonderful host last year for ourselves and all the athletes and has established itself as a truly world-class sailing venue.”
Among those strongly fancied to strike gold for a second year in Abu Dhabi are the formidable Australian combination of Mat Belcher, the 2014 World Cup gold medallist and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, and Will Ryan, who helped him capture his sixth successive 470 title at the recently concluded World Championships.
No-one enjoyed their gold medal-winning visit to Abu Dhabi more last year than Belgium’s Evi Van Acker who returns looking for another Laser Radial triumph.
Meanwhile, Austria's Lara Vadlau and Jolanta Ogar are back to defend their title in the women's 470 class after being pushed all the way last year, while Britain’s Bryony Shaw seeks a second successive gold medal in the women's RS:X class.
Britain's Oliver Bridge basically blew away the competition in Abu Dhabi last year to clinch the kiteboard title but can expect a tough title defence over a short track format.
Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club is staging the final regatta in a series which started in Melbourne, Australia last December before continuing with other qualifying events in Miami, USA, Hyères, France, Weymouth and Portland, Great Britain and finally Qingdao, China last month.
All the race action takes place in the waters around Lulu Island off the Abu Dhabi corniche, presenting a great spectacle for spectators, and a worldwide ISAF television audience of millions.
Sailing enthusiasts are also invited to visit the host club on each day of competition, and on a first come, first served basis, spectator boats will carry enthusiasts out on to the water to present a close-up view of the battle for World Cup success. More event details can be found at http://www.sailing.org/worldcup/home.php
