AMAALA showcases new horizons in sailing, sustainability, and global collaboration

AMAALA showcases new horizons in sailing, sustainability, and global collaboration at key yachting gathering © AMAALA Yacht Club

In a keynote address delivered today to leaders of the global sailing community, AMAALA reaffirmed its position as one of the world's fastest-growing maritime destinations and a driving force behind ocean stewardship, youth development, and the future of competitive sailing.

Speaking at the Yacht Racing Forum to distinguished guests from across the industry, AMAALA leadership emphasized the transformative role of sailing as a connector, across borders, generations, and disciplines, and highlighted Saudi Arabia's emergence as a new destination for the sport, just a short flight from the major capital cities in Europe and the Middle East.

Team AMAALA Shines in The Ocean Race Europe

Reflecting on Team AMAALA's campaign in this summer's Ocean Race Europe, the presentation underscored the initiative's impact far beyond competition. The team's journey demonstrated Saudi Arabia's rising presence in global sailing and revealed a deeper mission: inspiring opportunity, investing in emerging talent, and empowering a new generation to see the ocean as a space of possibility.

Wellbeing was highlighted as one of the campaign's most unexpected yet profound outcomes. Lessons learned onboard, resilience, collective support, and the balance between exertion and recovery, have transformed the team into ambassadors for wellness, reflecting AMAALA's core values.

AMAALA Yacht Club: A New Icon on the Red Sea

Opening in the next few months, the AMAALA Yacht Club was presented as a striking new symbol of Saudi Arabia's maritime ambition. Designed to reflect the fluid movement of the sea, the club will unite innovation, sustainability, fellowship, and community.

The announcement reinforced the Red Sea's growing status as a year-round sailing destination, home to landscapes rich in cultural heritage and maritime history. From ancient trade routes to modern regenerative tourism, AMAALA is not rewriting the story of the Red Sea, it is reviving it.

Yacht Racing Forum - photo © AMAALA Yacht Club

Strengthening Global Partnerships

In the speech, Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director at Red Sea Global, emphasized the strategic importance of collaboration, spotlighting partnerships with the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Yacht Club de Monaco. These alliances are helping drive collective action toward protecting the ocean for Generation Ocean and shaping the future of the sport.

Leading the Way on Sustainability

AMAALA and Red Sea Global reiterated their commitment to environmental stewardship, including coral restoration, and marine life rehabilitation.

A major milestone was announced: beginning next year, AMAALA will host the world's first international regattas powered entirely by renewable energy, 100% by the sun, setting a new global standard for sustainable events.

Road to 2027: Hosting The Ocean Race Grand Finale

Following the successful "dry run" with Team AMAALA entering the Red Sea through the Suez Canal, momentum now builds toward the 2027 Grand Finale of The Ocean Race, which AMAALA will host.

From 2026, a series of new events, including the AMAALA 600, Classic Week, Foiling, and Match Racing competition, will further elevate the region's global sailing footprint.

The forthcoming AMAALA Yacht Club Sailing Academy will nurture young talent from toddlers to twenty-five-year-olds of all abilities, supported by the Coral Cadet Program and the Corallium Marine Life Institute, which will advance research, restoration, and community engagement.

The Red Sea: A New Global Stage for Sailing

Recognized for its steady, predictable winds and exceptional year-round conditions, the Red Sea was presented as one of the world's most promising sailing arenas, welcoming dinghy sailors, foiling athletes, kite surfers, and superyachts alike.

A Shared Horizon

Rosanna Chopra concluded with a call to action: to innovate boldly, compete fiercely, and protect faithfully. AMAALA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the waters which unite global communities today remain a source of life, inspiration, and opportunity for generations to come.