JEDDAH: The 37th America’s Cup yacht race started in Jeddah for the first time on Wednesday with the participation of six teams.
The second preliminary sailboat race continues until Dec. 2 at the Jeddah Yacht Club, under the organization of the Saudi Sailing Federation and in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, a media statement said.
In this first-of-its-kind round outside Spain, the teams will compete to reach the podium and win the qualification round for the final, which will feature only two teams.
American Magic team won the round in Vilanova, northern Spain, in September with a slight lead over the other teams.
Samia Baghdadi, CEO of the SSF, said: “This comes as a continuation of a series of major sporting events hosted by the Kingdom during the past period, confirming its status as the preferred destination for sports and athletes from all over the world. Additionally, we aim for this championship to inspire Saudi athletes in water sports and contribute to achieving their targets and continuous growth.”
Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup, said: “We are proud and excited to host this round of the prestigious international yacht championship in Saudi Arabia … we constantly strive to contribute to making the Kingdom a new global center for water sports. We are also looking forward to witnessing its strong and exciting competitions in the Red Sea waters of Jeddah.”
The six teams competing include the defending champion, New Zealand’s Emirates, along with Ineos from Britain, American Magic representing the US, Italy’s Prada Pirelli, Red Bull Racing of Switzerland, and France’s Orient Express Racing.
The America’s Cup yacht race is one of the oldest international championships in water sports. It began 172 years ago and has been developing ever since, with the latest AC40 boats reaching speeds of 100 km an hour.
The organizing committee said that sports fans will be able to attend championship events for free by booking via https://webook.com/en-US/events/americas-cup, and can watch the action on large screens at the event venue, as well as visit the fan village.
37th America’s Cup yacht races start in Jeddah
https://arab.news/gnukd
37th America’s Cup yacht races start in Jeddah
- Jeddah Yacht Club hosts the second preliminary sailboat race until Dec. 2
- Saudi Sailing Federation’s CEO Samia Baghdadi said: “We aim for this championship to inspire Saudi athletes in water sports”
AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration
- Open to beginners and experienced athletes worldwide
- Distances from 1.6km to 100km for children and adults
ALULA: Registration has now opened for the AlUla Trail Race to be held on Jan. 22 and 23 next year.
The contest offers local and international participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla, located in Madinah.
According to a Saudi Press Agency report on Wednesday, the race is open to beginners and experienced runners.
The series includes a Kids Run (1.6 km) for children aged 5 to 12, Sunset Run (3 km) for those 13 and above, and a 10 km and 23 km for more experienced participants.
There are also demanding 50 km and 100 km ultra trail races for the most resilient and skilled runners. All routes will end in Old Town, ensuring an exciting finish for both runners and spectators.
On the first day, runners will arrive to collect their race packs before taking part in the Kids Run and the Sunset Run. Race kits can be collected at the event village, which will be located at the amphitheater in Old Town.
Day two will host the competitive distances, beginning at sunrise with the 100 km, followed by the 50 km, 23 km, and 10 km. Medal ceremonies will take place throughout the day as runners cross the finish line.
The organizers said every participant will receive an official AlUla Trail Race 2026 pack, including a tote bag, buff, race T-shirt, timing chip, and bib number. Entry fees begin at SR100 ($26) and SR50 for children.
The contest is a part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, a year-round schedule of events and festivals designed to promote the area as a premier destination for tourism, sports, culture, and heritage.
Other world-class sports events include the professional cycling AlUla Tour, AlUla Desert Polo, and the Al-Fursan Endurance AlUla — one of the most prestigious endurance races on the equestrian calendar.
