The Cruiser Fleet is at the heart of the Bahrain Yacht Club, testing both skill and aptitude across three racing series and two regattas a year, as well as holding many entertainment and events ceremonies. Sailing at the Bahrain Yacht Club is made up of two aspects that are closely linked. The first is our full social cruising programme, the second is our exciting racing programme. Many members participate actively in both. For nine months of the year the racing programme is highly active, with sailors battling it out in two major regattas and up to eighteen races a year across the Autumn, Winter and Spring. These series are well publicized with prominent sponsorship from local businesses, and are raced in a highly competitive spirit, with each team contesting for a place in the series final prize giving ceremony. Races are usually held just outside the club itself, with distances between five and twelve nautical miles. On occasions and with tide permitting, races are held in the Mina Salman harbour area offshore, offering new challenges and affording greater opportunities to view other larger sea-going vessels. The Bahrain Yacht Club cruising programme offers a wide variety of events to enjoy. Pole-to-pole and pursuit races are popular, and the annual race around Bahrain is a great experience. Overnight sailing trips are regularly arranged to places such as Jarimand Mashtan, and other events such as the ladies helm race and fancy-dress races are held throughout the year. The Cruiser Fleet would not be complete without the social scene. Regular social nights are held with diverse menus from around the world, complete with animated discussions between members about sailing techniques and yachting events! Annual award presentations are always the highlight of the year, with a formal black tie prize-giving dinner as the main event to celebrate the years winners. Regatta weekend at the Bahrain Yacht Club is host to many events, with fun and games on the beach for children, great competitions and prizes, free diving lessons, special menus and more. Apart from formal prize givings, the social events are a great excuse for a general get together at the club. Whether post-race or just a normal day, there’s always guaranteed to be lively debate at the bar!