The Official
Website of the
International
Sailing Federation

With a packed crowd of local dignitaries, VIPS and participating sailors in attendance, the ISAF President welcomed some of the world's finest Olympic sailors and kiteboarders who will be competing on Abu Dhabi waters.

"It's a great honour for me to be here today because we have a very important regatta which will be the future of our sport," explained Croce, "We've been following a dream and a vision. The vision is to make the sailors part of the professional life and help them in this path.

"When we came here three or four months ago I never thought we might be able to put all of what you see in place. It's been a miracle by the people working here who I thank very much. I am also thankful to all of you here today - we have 197 boats, 40 nations, 270 athletes and more than 20 Olympic medallists.

"It's the best of the best of the world and I really thank you on behalf of ISAF for accepting our invitation."

London 2012 Olympic Laser Radial bronze medallist Evi Van Acker (BEL) gave the athletes' oath whilst Chief Equipment Inspector Barry Johnson (AUS) swore in the officials.

Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club, host of the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final are utilising the star names competing at the regatta to highlight the sport of sailing within the Emirati capital. With Olympic heroes and World Champions in their numbers at the event local children are being inspired to take up the sport as Croce concluded, "It is a good legacy for the local people and the youngsters. I know some of you went around the schools showing the young people how our sport is developing. No better ambassadors could be found outside this group.

"I really think we have the first step for a future World Cup system that will really help all of you making a living out of sailing. As an old sailor it's always been a problem so thank you very much for coming."

Once the flag was hoisted by three time Olympian Nikola Girke, Croce declared the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final open.

Sailors' attentions now turn to preparing their equipment for the battles on the race track.

Practice racing will allow the sailors the first opportunity to test themselves against each other on 26 November. Racing commences at 12:00 local time on 27 November and concludes on 30 November.

Follow
ISAF Sailing World Cup website
http://www.sailing.org/worldcup/home.php

ISAF Sailing World Cup Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/ISAFSailingWorldCup

About ISAF Sailing World Cup Final Abu Dhabi

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

With just 20 boats in each event the competition is set to be fierce. Equipment will be supplied in eight of the ten Olympic events (RS:X sailors shall bring their own equipment) and support will be available for travel expenses and accommodation.

The Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club will host the ISAF Sailing World Cup Final with some technical facilities located at the adjacent Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club. The venue is located on the main island of the city with immediate access to the beautiful waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The ten Olympic events will contest an opening series and a Medal Race with the kiteboard fleet using a short track format. Prize money will be in awarded to the top three overall finishers in each of the Olympic events from a total prize purse of US$200,000.

The qualification system for the 2014 Final was published on 30 July 2014 and is included Addendum A of the Notice of Race. Click here for the Notice of Race. The first sailors to secure their place were confirmed at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander where the top ten in each event were offered a place.