By Staff Reporter
ROME, August 14, 2026 (WAM) — The UAE national modern sailing team competing in the Optimist Class has secured an impressive ninth-place finish at the prestigious International Golden Cup held in Riva del Garda, Italy.
The UAE squad, made up of Hamad Al Muhairi, Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Zayed Al Hosani, Karolina Bajak and John Hervey, delivered a strong performance against some of the world’s leading young sailors.
The result marks another milestone for the UAE’s sailing development programme, following the inclusion of five national team sailors in the UAE Sports Talent Care Committee’s talent programme in June.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, congratulated the team on its achievement and praised the sailors’ technical preparedness and determination throughout the competition.
He also acknowledged the continued support of Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector, whose national talent development initiatives have helped nurture promising athletes and improve the UAE’s competitiveness on the international stage.
The ninth-place finish further highlights the growing strength of the UAE’s youth sailing programme and its continued progress in major international competitions.
