The first day of the National Day Modern Sailing race will begin on Friday morning off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

The race is organised by the Emirates Sailing School of the Emirates Heritage Club, and is part of the club's celebrations for UAE National Day, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President's Representative and chairman of the club.

The race will last for two days with the participation of a large number of sailing stars from all age groups, representing a variety of clubs and supervised by an international jury.

The club administration expressed its thanks and appreciation to all the authorities for their cooperation in highlighting this maritime event on this important national occasion.

Khalifa Hadher Al Mazrouei, Director of the Emirates Sailing School, expressed his pride in holding this race to celebrate the National Day, and emphasised that tomorrow's race would represent an annual season for sailing lovers, as well as an important event that would enrich the National Day celebrations.

He also thanked H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his constant support to the national sailing team, and the development of the sport at the club and across the UAE.