News - 2014

20:23 Tuesday 10 Jun 2014 Michelle WarnerAberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week to showcase Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover

Photo: Ian Roman

Abu Dhabi’s credentials as a world-class watersports destination will be on full parade at the biggest gathering of global sailing fans this summer, with the emirate signing on as ‘Official Destination Partner’ to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the world’s pre-eminent sailing festival.

During Cowes Week, Abu Dhabi will go all out to promote its hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet from mid-December this year to January 3 and its extensive winter watersports offering, while its Volvo Ocean Race contender, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), will be in contention in one of the regatta’s highlight events - the Artemis Challenge.

“Our Cowes Week plans include the official launch of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s new ‘Azzam’ Volvo Ocean 65 yacht, mounting a special tented Abu Dhabi exhibition in the heart of Cowes Yacht Haven, where regatta goers can sample Arabian hospitality and culture including henna painting, calligraphy and falconry, the staging  of a host of consumer competitions, and being present in key media surrounding the event,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Director, Events Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which is behind the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race campaign.

Azzam’s ‘official launch’ will take place on a special prime-position mooring at Trinity Landing on Cowes Parade on Wednesday 6th August.

The next day, Azzam Skipper Ian Walker will lead his ADOR crew in a bid to take honours in the Artemis Challenge Race around the Isle of Wight.

“This race regularly attracts some of the biggest names in offshore sailing,” explained Al Sheikh. “It is a face-off between seriously fast boats, sailing legends and celebrities and will be a great training test for Azzam and ADOR while ensuring that Abu Dhabi is top of mind among the international sailing community.”

“For hundreds of thousands of sailors and sailing enthusiasts across the world, Cowes Week is the summer home of sailing. By coming alongside as Cowes’ ‘Official Destination Partner’, we want to convince these fans that in  Abu Dhabi they have a fantastic winter home, with sparkling blue waters, fair winds, a plethora of pristine islands and world-class marinas at their service,” said Al Sheikh.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week combines a great mix of competitive sailing with a vibrant social scene. The event stages up to 40 daily races for upwards of 800 boats and is the world’s largest regatta of its kind.  The 8,000 competitors range from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors. Over 100,000 visitors come to watch the sailing, enjoy the parties and live entertainment, and to experience the unique atmosphere.

“We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi as our official destination partner for this year‘s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. With so many sailors and spectators coming to Cowes for our event, we have a great opportunity to help showcase the Volvo Ocean Race New Year celebrations in Abu Dhabi for their own three week festival,” said Peter Dickson, Chairman of Cowes Week Limited.

The Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover connects the world’s greatest round-the-world yacht race and global business networking roadshow with a massive 23-day destination festival of watersport, marine heritage and premium entertainment.

Building upon its hugely successful hosting of the 2011/2012 Volvo Ocean Race, Abu Dhabi’s purpose-built 30,000 square metre ‘Destination Village’ on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche breakwater will be home to open air concerts, interactive exhibitions, sports activities, roving entertainment, merchandise booths, a dedicated children’s zone, restaurants and cafés.  Over 200,000 regional and international visitors are expected to visit the event between 12th December 2014 and 3rd January 2015.

Persuading international visitors to choose Abu Dhabi and its Volvo Ocean Race Stopover as their destination for this year’s Christmas and New Year holidays is a top priority for Stopover organisers.

“As part of our Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover offering, we have a range of Official Travel Packages and Race Week Hospitality Programmes specifically designed to offer great value and an unforgettable experience for the international yachting fan.  Cowes Week is an incredible platform for us to engage with thousands of potential visitors and cast-off an exciting six-month conversation with them leading up to December 12,” added Al Sheikh.

Further Stopover packaging and programme announcements will be made in the run-up to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and fans can stay updated by visiting www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com or Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s facebook page for the latest news and information.