Nile Challenge 2019: 800km single-handed in a Laser
by David Summerville, Phoenix Marine 12 Apr 2018 15:00 BST
1-15 March 2019
Phoenix Marine is delighted to announce a new, pioneering event for the sailing world. During 1st – 15th March 2019, the first ever single-handed Laser race in Egypt along the River Nile will take place.
Two teams will compete for glory – one from Europe and another team from Africa. The invited sailors will be Olympians or Olympic standard.
The Nile Challenge 2019 will be a relay race in single-handed Olympic Laser-class dinghies from Aswan to Cairo, a distance of over 800km. This sailing marathon represents a significant test of human skills and endurance.
Exclusive sponsorship and media opportunities are available for this unique event which will attract world-wide attention. Interested parties are invited to contact .
Race organisers are London-based businessman Wagdy Soliman of Soliman Travel and sailor David Summerville of Phoenix Marine. Their plans have been developed with Ambassador Amr El Henawy of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
This ground-breaking event was created when the three men discovered their common passions of sailing and Egypt. "For years, we have been thinking of a spectacular event to re-ignite tourism on the wonderful River Nile," explains David. "I have always believed that a race along the Nile would be truly spectacular." The Nile Challenge 2019 sees their drive and enthusiasm brought to life.
A River Nile cruise ship will accompany the Nile Challenge 2019 for the entirety of the race, to provide accommodation and logistical support for the sailing teams, the organisers and the media representatives.
Overnight stop-overs have been chosen for their suitability, historic interest and media opportunities. The proximity of islands, land, historic towns and artefacts will create opportunities for media. It is anticipated that the Nile Challenge 2019 will help to promote the River Nile as a global attraction for tourism, in addition to establishing Egypt on the world sailing map and supporting the development of grass roots sailing in the region.