More than 20 children aged as young as eight will circumnavigate The World independently this Saturday, February 16th, in single-handed racing dinghies. The children from the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) race squad are among the nation’s most talented young sailors. Their eight-hour odyssey around Nakheel’s The World archipelago is a fundraiser for the club’s Youth Sailing Fund, which helps to pay for training, equipment and transport to races.
The World is a collection of 300 islands off the coast of Dubai in the shape of a map of the globe. Its breakwater has a circumference of more than 27 kilometres.
“This is more than 10 times the distance that the youth sailing squad would cover in a normal race, and being so far out to sea they will also have to cope with bigger swells and winds,” said Francis Carr, Commodore at DOSC. “Sailing around The World is a big expedition even for a group of experienced adult sailors in large yachts, let alone children on their own in two-metre racing dinghies.”
As with all races and training at DOSC, the youth sailors will be accompanied by their coaches and several safety boats. Support boats with parents and club members will also be cheering them on throughout the event on Saturday.
DOSC has thanked Nakheel for supporting the event and granting the children special permission – subject to certain safety and supervisory requirements – to sail within The World exclusion zone, which surrounds the exclusive private islands.
“As a club we are really proud of our youth team to take on such an ambitious sail for a fundraising event. This was their idea,” said Gareth Lloyd, general manager, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. “Our kids love sailing and the fact that they’re willing to sail such a long distance to raise money for the Youth Sailing Fund shows their commitment to the sport.”
Any company or organisation who would like to sponsor this event or the Youth Sailing Programme can contact Jen Hardie, the club’s membership secretary on membership@doscuae.com or visit doscyouthsailing.wordpress.com.
