The First Gulf Sailing Championship which ended in Kuwait on Saturday has achieved its goal , which is friendly competition among neighbouring Gulf citizens, Head of the Sailing Department at Kuwait Sea Club Khaled Al-Fouderi said.
On the three-day tournament which grouped 60 sailors from the Arab Gulf region, Al-Foudari described the competition to KUNA, as a major accomplishment which reflects the growing interest of youth in the region over the sport.
He expressed hope the numbers of sailing enthusiasts would increase in competitions to come, in order for the sport to develop and flourish among Gulf nationals.
Five Gulf countries including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain took part in the race, with the exception of Oman, who retired on grounds of international participation.
He also said that Kuwait has some of the most exceptional talents in the region, who needed the country's support and funding to improve regionally, continentally and internationally.
The tournament was split into three classes; Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, Optimus Dinghies and Laser Standard.
Ahmad Abdulsalam came first for Kuwait in the Laser Radials along with his compatriot Ibrahim Al-Furaih in second place, and Talal Al-Thaydy (UAE) in third.
In the Laser 4.7 class, Saeed Salem (UAE) came first followed by Omar Abdulaziz (Bahrain) and Masoud Al-Masoud (Kuwait).
The UAE took all the honours in the Optimus Dinghies, with Mohammad Al-Thiyady coming first, followed by Suhail Al-Jilany and Saleh Talthet.
Lastly in the Laser Standard class, Walid Al-Sharseeny (Qatar) won first place, followed by Adel Khaled (UAE) and Ibrahim Abdullah (Bahrain). - Kuna