An International Judges Clinic in Jeddah has equipped officials from across the region with a sharper set of tools for running top-level sailing events, ahead of the 2026 Arab Championships – Optimist.
The six-day clinic mixed classroom theory with practical, on-water sessions. Officials worked side by side throughout, building a shared understanding of how races should be run and judged at the highest level.
The Saudi Sailing Federation played a central role in making the clinic possible.
"Their commitment to investing in education, welcoming officials from multiple nations, and supporting every part of the event reflects a strong and ambitious vision for the future of sailing in the Kingdom," organisers said. "Their leadership ensured that all personnel involved in delivering the 2026 Arab Championships – Optimist attended the clinic, ensuring a unified understanding of race procedures."
Regional championships draw officials from different sailing cultures and training backgrounds. Getting everyone on the same page, both personally and procedurally, is often what separates a smooth regatta from a messy one.
Classroom sessions came first, then officials moved onto the water to test what they had learned almost immediately. That kind of practical grounding tends to stick.
The 2026 Arab Championships – Optimist will be the first real test of that groundwork.
