HEAD TO JEDDAH

Courtesy of the 2021

Formula 1 season, Jeddah Yacht Club made its world debut in the most spectacular fashion. While the motorsport community was alive with discussions on how technical the Jeddah circuit was, the marina, which officially opened on the eve of the grand prix week, was filling with superyachts. As far as yacht club openings go, Jeddah’s was arguably the most impressive, with the F1 being the foundation of JYC’s push towards Jeddah Season and Saudi Vision 2030.

JEDDAH SEASON

Jeddah Yacht Club, JYC Marina and the JYC Academy are set to host some of the world’s most dramatic and stunning yachts during Jeddah Season 2022, including ultra-modern foiling boats, round-the-world racing yachts, and a collection of magnificent superyachts.

Mohideen Nazer, Senior Vice President Parks, Resorts and Hotels for Sela, the company behind Jeddah Yacht Club, JYC Marina and JYC Academy, said: “These are state-of-the-art facilities, and we are thrilled to be participating in Jeddah Season. We have brought together some amazing sailing and power boats from all around the world including super high-tech foiling boats, luxury superyachts and incredible ocean racing yachts. We want to inspire people to take up watersports, either in the smallest of dinghy, like an Optimist, or on a superyacht. We have something for everyone: school programs, taster sessions, mast climbs, joy rides and luxury superyacht charters.”

Commenting on Saudi marine heritage, Samia Bagdady, CEO of Saudi Sailing Federation said: “Historically Jeddah relied on great sailors to help transport cargo from ships moored off Jeddah Port – the faster the sailors, the more trips they made, and the more they were paid for their services.  They even had friendly races to transport pilgrims coming to Hajj from the ships!

“Now we are re-kindling this marine spirit and through Jeddah Season hope to inspire a new generation of great Saudi sailors. We have partnered with Jeddah Yacht Club to develop a sporting pathway. We are promoting the beautiful Red Sea coast and will be attracting sport and marine businesses to Jeddah. We have an amazing program of activity, and we welcome all to join us.”

JOIN THE FUN

As Nazer stated, an important part of Jeddah Season is to inspire people to take up watersports and make the most of the incredible Red Sea. So for Jeddah Season 2022, you can get involved in the following experiences at the Jeddah Yacht Club and JYC Marina…

FLY ON A FOILER

Fly above the waves on a 69F carbon fibre foiling yacht, or watch professional sailors from around the world race their foiling Moth class sailing dinghies.

OCEAN RACE YACHTS

Take a whirlwind tour of the Red Sea in ‘Jeddah 01’, a strikingly designed Volvo Ocean 60, or ‘Jenssan de Jong’, a Volvo Ocean 65.

The adventurous can come aboard ‘Jeddah 02’ and try climbing 20 metres above the deck in our Mast Climb challenge.

You can take a look inside a Volvo Ocean 65 race yacht that has been cut down the middle to show how sailors live and work for up to nine months whilst racing around the planet.

WATERSPORTS

Enjoy a full program of watersports activities, including dinghy sailing, kayaking and SUP (stand up paddle). These activities are free for schools participating in the educational programme and are run by internationally renowned watersports instructors at the JYC Academy in the marina.

SUPERYACHTS

Join the Festival of Yachting Lifestyle (FoYL) from the 11th-16th May at JYC Marina and marvel at a showcase of superyachts and luxury boating brands from Riva, Princess, Pershing, Gulf Craft, Custom Line, Ferretti Yachts, Di-Antonio, Brunswick and many more.

CLASSICS

For classic boat enthusiasts, there’s a ‘must see’ in the form of the historic 1952 Ferrari ARNO XI. This legendary V12-powered race boat was built by Enzo Ferrari specifically to gain the world water speed record, which it immediately did – and the ARNO XI still holds the 800kg record to this day.

Also, on show during the Festival of Yachting Lifestyle will be a classic 1960 Riva Ariston and a Hermes Speedster – a modern version of the gentlemen’s boats of that era, with its Porsche-like lines and unique character.

On the quayside, looking over the amazing collection of yachts will be a collection of highly-prized classic cars, alongside a fleet of the world’s most famous supercar and luxury car brands – all for sale at very special prices.

JEDDAH YACHT CLUB

The iconic Jeddah Yacht Club, which overlooks the JYC Marina, will be inviting prospective members to sample the magic of its new members’ club. Designed by Sela’s in-house team, it represents the fusion of travel and emotion: a mast to elevate, a sail to capture magical moments, and a boom to lift spirits, both day and night. Created with luxury in mind, the yacht club includes a state-of-the-art wellness centre; the Social House restaurant curated by Michelin Star chef Jason Atherton; a Beach Club in partnership with Omnia and a VIP RIVA Sky Lounge and business centre. Also, Jeddah Yacht Club has partnered with Yacht Club de Monaco and will be hosting a private night of glitz and glamour during Jeddah Season.

SAUDI SAILING FEDERATION

The Saudi Sailing Federation will host the National ILCA Championship (Olympic class boat formerly called Laser) at Jeddah Yacht Club during Jeddah Season. Here, talented Saudi sailors are invited to compete for a place in the Saudi team entering the Asian Games in China later this year.

Hassan AlKabbani, President of the Saudi Sailing Federation said: “Sailing is coming to Jeddah Season, and it is very exciting.  We will use this momentous event to spark an interest and passion for boating amongst the people of Saudi and to showcase to the sailing world that they should come to Saudi Arabia and enjoy our beautiful waters and warm hospitality.  We have 1,760 kilometers of wonderful Red Sea coastline that is perfect for boating, be it cruising, or racing.  Our partnership with SELA is designed to provide opportunities for people to go boating and Jeddah Season is our first major showcase.”

GO VISIT

Running from May to June, the season will offer a packed schedule of 2,800 events reflecting Jeddah’s rich culture and heritage, as well as its growing status as a major regional tourist destination. Jeddah Season will be made up of nine zones designated to host various events: Jeddah’s Superdome, Al-Jawhara Stadium, Jeddah Jungle, Jeddah Yacht Club, Jeddah Art Promenade, Jeddah Pier, Prince Majid Park, City Walk and Al-Balad. Performances will include nightly fireworks displays on Jeddah’s promenade, K-pop performances, a science festival, and a performance by Cirque du Soleil Fuzion created especially for Jeddah Season.

For more info on Jeddah Yacht Club, please visit www.jeddahyc.com