Stage ser for 2025 Qatar International Optimist Regatta

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February 3, 2025
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3-February-2025

Stage ser for 2025 Qatar International Optimist Regatta

DOHA (QNA) - Organized by the Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (QSRF), the 2025 Qatar International Optimist Regatta will kick off  today . The competition will run until February 8th at the Rixos Gulf Hotel beach, with 52 athletes from 12 countries taking part.

The organizing committee completed the registration process for the male and female competitors today, along with the boat handover and the measurement of sails and boats by a specialized committee from the International Sailing Federation.

The committee also held a meeting with the coaches of the participating teams to review the race courses and clarify the rules and regulations of the competition.

After receiving their boats, participating team members engaged in training sessions on the racecourse in the sea to familiarize themselves with the boats and the course layout before the official races begin.

Competitors are scheduled to participate in two or three races tomorrow, with each race lasting between 45 to 50 minutes, depending on weather conditions and wind speed, which are crucial for the races.

The Qatar team is competing with eight sailors: Tamim Shams, Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud, Yusuf Al Ibrahim, Fahd Al Ibrahim, Khalifa Al Yafai, Abdullah Al Buainain, Ali Al Buainain, and Hamad Al Emadi.

Qatari sailors have undergone exceptional preparations under the guidance of sailing coach Khalid Batihatim, who emphasized that while the athletes have remarkable potential, they need further development through participation in numerous competitions to gain experience.

The coach expressed confidence in the athletes' ability to perform at a high technical level during the championship, based on the outstanding results they recently achieved during their participation in the UAE Open Sailing Championship, held in Abu Dhabi.

In turn, Hassan Qassim, member of the Board of Directors of the QSRF and Head of Sailing, explained that the technical staff of the sailing team had prepared a long-term program for distinguished competitors in line with the vision of the Federation and the directives of the Qatar Olympic Committee, in order to develop their levels and compete in all events.

In a press statement, Qassim said that the Qatar International Optimist Regatta will be a good opportunity for participants to interact with different schools and acquire skills, as well as an important station within the preparation program for the team competitors, especially since the championship will be a practical experience on the ground to demonstrate capabilities, creativity and competition.

He added that the championship includes 6 referees accredited by the International Sailing Federation, and that the races will be held according to the international laws and regulations followed, as the races are closely monitored at sea to ensure the safety of the competitors.

Qassim emphasized that the federation aims to deliver a successful and outstanding championship in all aspects, whether organizational, technical, or in terms of showcasing the Qatari team's performance. The goal is to achieve positive results and win medals that will add to their distinguished record, which is nothing new for the State of Qatar.

Countries participating in the championship are Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Turkey, India, Poland, and the UK.