The UAE is set to play a prominent role in next month’s EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2014, with three stops scheduled to take place here in the Emirates.

Once again the Tour – the Gulf’s only annual long distance offshore sailing event – will be contested in identical Farr 30 one-design keelboats, calling in at eight stopover marinas in four nations.

The teams set sail on February 9, covering 760 nautical miles over 15 days, with eight stopovers in four nations; Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, through to the finish line in Oman.

Local sailing enthusiasts will be able to catch the action in the UAE with scheduled in-port racing off Abu Dhabi on February 15, a stopover in Dubai on February 16 and further in-port racing off Ras Al Khaimah.

Last year Team AISM, skippered by Bertrand Pacé, eight time winner of the Tour de France à la Voile and helm of two America’s Cup challenges, were crowned 2013 champions.

Welcoming the announcement of the fourth edition David Graham, Oman Sail CEO said: “It’s hugely exciting to look forward to the fourth edition of the race and to confirm the dates.

“In just three years the event has established the Middle East as an exceptional international yacht racing destination with unbeatable sailing conditions and local talent.”

Originally founded in 2011 as a Middle Eastern version of the Tour de France à la Voile, the 3rd edition of the EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour provided a stunning showcase of the region as a unique sailing destination.

All indications are that the EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour will build on the huge successes of 2013 with over 10 elite GCC and international teams expected to enter the event which has rapidly become one of the most popular “warm” winter fixtures of the global sailing calendar.

Keith Gapp, Head of Strategy and Marketing at EFG International said that no persuasion was needed following last year's highly successful sponsorship.

He said: “We fully endorse Oman Sail’s commitment to youth mentoring, training and the significant strides being made to reignite the rich maritime heritage of the Gulf region.”

HH Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation said EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour had become an eagerly awaited annual event in the region and a great platform to showcase the skills of local sailors.

“This healthy competition not only inspires a new generation of young sailors but also puts us on the international sporting map," he said. "We look forward to another exceptional event in February.”

For more information on the race please visit: www.sailingarabiathetour.com