BMW car dealers in Dubai

BMW Sailing Cup World Final to take place this week

Representatives from BMW car dealers, Ocean Plymouth and Ocean Torbay will be flying the flag for the UK in Dubai this week, as they take part in the BMW Sailing Cup World Final (April 15-20).

The crew of five, who had never sailed together and included novices, earned their place by sealing victory in the BMW UK Sailing Cup last July, in the challenging waters of the Solent. The global event attracted over 1,800 participants.

Nine countries will compete in the final including representatives from Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Malta, New Zealand, Spain and United Arab Emirates.

Sailing will take place from Thursday-Saturday at the Dubai International Marina Club, which since 1988 has established itself as the foremost water sports venue in the Middle East and played host to many international sporting events. The finalists will stay at the Royal Mirage Hotel which overlooks Palm Bay Island and boasts a kilometre of private coastline and sixty acres of landscape gardens.

The programme for the world final will not only include fierce competition on the water , but rich entertainment in the evenings too, including dinner at the world’s only 7-star Hotel, The Burj Al Arab, an Arabian Night in the Desert and a grand prize-giving evening following the racing on Saturday.

BMW’s commitment to yachting extends from local amateur sailing initiatives right through to the pinnacle of the sport in the form of BMW ORACLE Racing’s entry in the America’s Cup. BMW UK Sports Marketing Manager Peter Walker commented, “In years gone by the relationship between BMW and its customers began and ended at the showroom. The BMW Sailing Cup has enabled us to develop relationships in an environment which mirrors BMW’s brand values and incorporates the great competition of sailing.”

Group Managing Director of Ocean BMW, Graham De Val added, “We are extremely excited to be in Dubai representing the UK. It was a great achievement to win the domestic event and just being here is a great reward. We want to challenge for the world title and will be giving it our all this week.”

Team UK Participants: Graham De Val (reserve), Steve Birbeck, Adrian Peach, Gary Phare, John Yandell and Jonathan Dixon.