Sailing is not often thought of as an activity for the masses, but Regatta Sailing Academy, a Qatar-based school of sailing, aims to change that perception by providing enthusiasts of all ages and background a chance to take up the sport.
“What makes us different from the rest is that we are trying to foster an inclusive feel to our organisation,” said Simon Grover, Yachtmaster Instructor at Regatta Sailing Academy. “We really want to try to give as many people as possible access to the water.”
Established by Michael Lawton in 1996, the academy has taught thousands of people to sail; some started very young and continued to progress as far as sailing for their country in international competitions, others have chartered yachts and explored all corners of the globe.
Regatta Sailing Academy was actively involved in the 2006 Doha Asian Games in helping with the organisation of the sailing events, including the planning for the event and had also supplied boats and equipment for the games.
Now based in Katara Cultural Village, the academy offers a wide range of activities, including dinghy sailing and yacht courses. “We offer sailing tuition to everyone from the age of 6 and above. Starting with the basic stage 1 for juniors through to the highly advanced Yachtmaster course and all courses in between,” Grover told Gulf Times.
The academy also has a base in the Four Seasons Marina where their two racing yachts are moored. Keelboat, yacht cruising and International Award training is held at this location. The International Award has three levels which pushes teenagers to work as a team, take responsibility and prompts time management.
“For the award, young people have to commit to certain number of activities like learning skills, learning new sports, doing some social-venture sailings”, Grover explained.
Round the Island Race
Under the supervision of Grover and his academy, a group of sailors from Qatar will participate in the annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club in the UK, in June 2020. It is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight, an island situated off the south coast of England. The race regularly attracts over 1,400 boats and around 15,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs.
Speaking about the race, Grover said, “The race is a great opportunity to watch world-renowned sailors racing against families and first time racers.”
Competitors come from all over the UK, other parts of Europe and as far away as the USA to follow the 50 nautical mile course round the Isle of Wight. Spectators can find many vantage points, both on the mainland and Isle of Wight, to watch the race progress.
“Nearly 200 prizes are awarded for the event, with boats of every shape and size competing to win individual class and overall trophies,” Grover added.
Get wet, set, go
Thanks to the spectacular coastline Qatar has, watersport enthusiasts can do sailing and more at almost any time of the year ? something not all coastal cities can boast of. “It’s all about the thrill,” says Grover. “We have got fantastic facilities in Qatar, but I’m not sure how well they are being used. We have enough facilities, equipment here; we only need to use it. We need more youngsters get in the water.”
Grover believes the sport of sailing is growing rapidly in Qatar. “The waters of the Gulf are perfect and you have the feeling that you are riding through the waters once traversed by ancient seafarers and pearl divers.” However, he still would like to see more youngsters come out and explore their sailing skills.
“It’s a nice way to use the beach. Come out, get on the boat, we will show you what it is all about. If you like it, keep coming back. Once you get the skills, we will let you move alone,” Grover concluded.
Based in Katara Cultural Village, Regatta Sailing Academy offers a wide range of activities, including dinghy sailing and yacht courses.
