Sailors taking part in the Optimist Class at the Qatar International Regatta - Sail The Gulf 2013, during the practice session at Doha Sailing Club, in this file picture of February 19, 2013.
Doha: Around 51 sailors from 14 countries will take part in the inaugural Qatar Optimist Cup, organised by the Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (QSRF), which kicks off at the Doha Corniche from today.
Sailors from Algeria, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Spain, Finland, Germany, India, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, besides Qatar will compete in the six day event which will end on January 2. Races will start from tomorrow while the opening ceremony and practice races will take place today. No races will be held on December 31, informed the organisers. The first three place winners will get cash prizes. The event which consists of 12 races is open to sailors born in 1998 or after.
The overall champion in both the boy’s and girls section will get QR4000, while the runner-up will receive QR3000 and the third place finisher QR2000.
Prize money will also be awarded to podium winners in the Optimist Team Racing event.
The organisers said they have lined up several other prizes for sailors. Qatar will field 13 sailors in the competition. THE PENINSULA
