Pioneering spirit unites the America's Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah and Neom

NEOM, the sustainable regional development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia has partnered with The America's Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah – the premier sailing event taking place on the Red Sea from the 29 November to 2 December, 2023.

The America's Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah, presented by NEOM will inspire the next generation of Saudis to experience sailing, kite surfing and other watersports. It will showcase professional sport to young Saudis and demonstrate to the world's sailing community the spectacular waters of the Red Sea.

Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sport said: "NEOM embraces human progress and innovation, as do the America's Cup. It is hugely exciting to partner with an event that shares these aims, and supports our aspiration to inspire participation.   Sailing is a key sport for experiences and events. NEOM is a home for bold ambition, a guiding principle that runs deep through the America's Cup and we are delighted to be partnering together on the Preliminary Regatta, the first event of its kind in Saudi Arabia."

Grant Dalton, CEO of America's Cup Events said: "The America's Cup is the oldest sporting competitions dating back to 1851 and as sailors we are incredibly proud of the Cup's history. But more importantly, the America's Cup is also renowned for its innovative thinking, cutting edge design technology and pioneering spirit. It is this pioneering spirit that brings us to Jeddah and makes this partnership with NEOM so important and so relevant. The America's Cup Preliminary Regatta, Jeddah in Partnership with NEOM, is all about showcasing this wonderful sport to new people and inspiring them to get involved. This region is the future of sport, and we firmly believe that sailing must be a part of it. The can-do attitude of the people of Saudi Arabia and the pioneering spirit of the team at NEOM fill me with excitement."

Samia Bagdady, CEO of Saudi Sailing Federation said: "The America's Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah, Presented by NEOM, will help us accelerate the growth of watersports in Saudi Arabia. We want more people to experieince sailing, kite surfing, wing foiling and other watersports, and we want young people to aspire to compete for Saudi Arabia in the Olympics and Paralympic Games. The pioneering spirit of both America's Cup and NEOM will help us demonstrate that sailing is relevant to young people who are driven by sport, healthy lifestyles and technical innovation."

The America's Cup Preliminary Regatta, Jeddah, Presented by NEOM takes place at Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, with the world's leading sailors racing in foiling AC40 yachts with teams from six countries: New Zealand, the UK, Switzerland, Italy, the USA and France.