RAK Sailing Academy flag raised at Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club

Set up by Italy's well known Malingri di Bagnolo family, the academy is set to host a variety of sailing classes across all age groups and also indulge in competitions during favourable weather conditions.

The RAK Sailing Academy LLC is equipped with a dinghy, catamaran, and fix keel sailing boats for juniors and seniors. The sailing program is divided into two main categories, namely dinghy and keel boats. Each category has a different set of progressive courses, which aims to help increase student experience over time. Sailing classes are divided into different ages and skill sets. At the facility people will be able to rent different types of sailing boats either for relaxation or for training courses.

Claudio Schettino, Marina Manager, Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club, said, "The RAK sailing academy will encourage those with a passion for sailing and the open seas. The classes are designed to be educational and fun, and with mentors like Enrico, Franco Malingri, Matteo Bassan and John Curran, members are bound to enjoy every moment of being here. The Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club is the perfect weekend destination for travelers, world sailing pioneers, boat owners and berthing yachts. The sailing academy will now add a further enriching experience."

Enrico also chose Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club specifically to encourage residents and stopover sailors within RAK to participate in international sailing events. Recently, Al Hamra Marina has also become a proud member of the Marina Industry Association (MIA). The MIA is the peak industry body for the marina industries in Australia, Asia and the Pacific regions. MIA is dedicated to the needs of marina owners and operators of berthing, mooring, storage and slipway workshop facilities connected to sailing, cruising and general boating.

The academy will utilise the sailing cruiser boat facility where off-shore courses will be held. The Marina is also set up with a day charter facility where by sailing boats will be used for daily excursions and crew for tourists of the Al Hamra Village. Facilities for renting daily and weekend boats are in place to attract passionate and professional sailing tourists from the region and overseas. The school follows ISAF (International Sailing Federation) rules regarding sailing instructors.