It promises to be a spectacular sight on the waters between the islands of Abu Dhabi, Sowwah, Reem and Saadiyat over the next two days as one of Abu Dhabi's most popular maritime events enjoys a revival.
Officials of The Club at Mina Zayed are relaunching their dinghy regatta after a four-year break and between 40 and 50 sailors will take part in the two-day event.
Barry Jarman, the commodore of the Abu Dhabi Sailing Club, is leading from the front today by taking part in the standard class. "I have been racing lasers here at The Club for the past five years so it will be a special moment for me when such a large fleet takes to the waters from our home base," said Jarman, 43.
Jarman, a native of Sydney with parents who both competed internationally, added: "It has attracted the highest standard of laser sailing in the country.
"Laser is a very attractive class mainly because the top end is the Olympics but at the other end there is an opportunity for youth development and scope for complete novices."
Jarman is pleased the regatta has been well supported by young sailors of the National Sailing School at Al Raha Beach.
"Ten of their top juniors have entered," he said. "We are also hoping that Adil Khalid [who has secured a place in the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team] will be taking part. It's great to have Emiratis and expats sailing as one and competing against each other."
Malcolm Clampin, the secretary of the sailing club said: "This could be the start of something big for this new venue.
"We now have made an excellent new facility here which will be shown off to sailing fraternity and that can only have positive spin-off effects.
"This undoubtedly puts us back on the map."
Racing will start immediately after prayers this lunchtime and it is hoped to get in a maximum of six races on the opening day on a course which should, given a decent breeze, take 45 minutes to complete.
Then the destination of the prizes will be settled tomorrow in a shorter programme due to begin at 10am.