A New Era in Sailing: J/70 Middle East Cup 2026/2027 launches in the UAE
by Olga Zvyagina 10 Sep 11:57 BST
10-13 September 2026
J/70 Middle East Cup 2026/2027 launched © TenzorSailingClub media
Tenzor Sailing Club international yacht-clubs chain supported by SARF has announced the launch of the first-ever international regatta series in the J/70 class in the Middle East - the J/70 Middle East Cup 2026/2027. This landmark eight-stage series officially sets sail this weekend, establishing the region as a new global hub for professional and amateur sailing competition.
The Series will be based at the prestigious RYC Marina in Ras Al Khaimah, with racing on the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The opening stages, along with the finals, will be hosted in the UAE, with Saudi Arabia also set to welcome the world's best sailors for two events of Calendar.
The J/70 Middle East Cup represents a significant strategic expansion for Tenzor Sailing Club international yacht club chain. Beyond delivering high-level competition, the project aims to develop sailing across the Middle East and serve as a springboard for further international championships in J/70 class in the region. The 2026/2027 calendar will see competitors battle across the Gulf countries bringing together Olympic participants, World and European Champions, local champions and top prize-winners from different classes.
Stage 1: A World-Clase Line-Up
The countdown to the opening stage is complete, and J/70 fleet is ready to officially compete for the first time in region. Stage 1 will feature a mix of international champions and rising stars:
- TENZOR TEAM represents Russia and Belarus. Helmed by Andrei Pushkin the crew boasts an impressive record including winners of the Italian J/70 Cup stage in Lerici, overall champions of the Tenzor International Cup for 2023/24 and 2025/26, winners of the J/70 Turkish Championship and SB20 Russian Championship.
- UAE WOMEN TEAM: Helmed by Dhuha Albeshr, a young Emirati ILCA 6 star and Arab Champion for three consecutive years. Albeshr is also the first Arab female sailor to compete in the F50 SailGP and holds the distinction of being the first female coach in the Arab world with a World Sailing Level 3 Instructor Certificate.
- UAE MEN TEAM: Led by Sultan Alowais, one of the UAE's most talented young Olympic-class sailors (ILCA 7) and member of the Olympic Development Program 2032. The crew, featuring Fadel Alabdooli, Nacir Alowais, Abdulla Almheiri, and Saif Alowais is ready to do their best on upcoming regatta.
- LITMUS7 RACING TEAM (India): Skippered by Abhimanyu Panwar, a multiple-time national champion and international medalist with over 18 years of competitive racing experience. Panwar is also the founder of Sportifying India, dedicated to making sailing more accessible across his native country India.
- TEAM SPECIAL TACK FORCE: Helmed by Dmitry Berezin, arriving with a strong records with his team mates including victories at the Wind Rises Cup and the Russian Cup OPEN 800, as well as participation in Asia Pacific Championship, SB20 World Championship, Armenia Cup, Gocek Youth&Sport Cup.
World-Class Management and Innovation
Italian sailing specialist Davide Casetti will lead the sporting management of the Series, bringing unparalleled experience to create world-class events in the region. The regattas will set new standards of organization through the use of cutting-edge technology. For the first time in the Middle East, J/70 racing will utilize the modern VAKAROS race monitoring system by RaceSense, providing online competition monitoring, automated start line crossing detection, and the highest precision in judging. Electrically controlled buoys will also be deployed on the course.
J/70 class recognized by World Sailing for its performance and handling is making its historic debut in the Middle East through this Cup. With over 1,600 boats worldwide and popularity in prestigious international championships, the J/70 ensures exciting and highly competitive racing.
"The J/70 Middle East Cup is more than just a racing series - it is the first major strategic step in opening up a new sailing hub in the Middle East to the global community. We are proud to offer excellent conditions for year-round regattas, world-class technology, and a platform for sailors from across the globe to gain sporting experience and create unforgettable emotions", - commented the Organizers.
Thursday, 10th of September will be spent with registrations and going on water for practice races. Sailors will check themselves on boats and getting know better with wind and water area conditions while the next three days, from 11th to 13th of September, will be fully in racing mode.