Qingdao, China became the first Asian venue to host an ISAF Sailing World Cup regatta. Racing across six Olympic events opened up the 2013-2014 series with tight tactical racing the name of the game at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition venue.

Attentions soon turned to Melbourne, Australia shortly followed by Miami, USA. The European Spring saw the competition head over to Mallorca, Spain and Hyeres, France where large numbers took to the water for world class racing. The competition welcomed some of the world's finest Olympic sailing talent who ramped up their preparations for the Santander 2014 ISAF Sailing World Championships, the first qualification regatta for the Rio 2016 Olympic Sailing Competition.

ISAF Sailing World Cup Final Introduction

The introduction of an ISAF Sailing World Cup Final was made in July 2014. The inaugural edition of the regatta took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 26-30 November.

All ten Olympic events were contested in Abu Dhabi from 26-30 November, with an open kiteboarding event in the fray around Lulu Island off the UAE capital's stunning Corniche.

With just 20 boats in each event the competition was fierce. The ten Olympic events contested an opening series and a Medal Race with the kiteboard fleet using a short track format. Prize money was awarded to the top three overall finishers in each of the Olympic events from a total prize purse of US$200,000.