Purpose and Mission of the Academy
Our Purpose
The Race Academy is a specialised training program dedicated to advancing sailors' racing skills, tactics, and overall performance. It extends beyond basic sailing instruction, preparing athletes to compete successfully at all levels, from club races to national and international regattas.
The long-term vision is to create a sailing academy that consistently develops confident, skilled, and competitive sailors at both national and international levels. The focus is on building a structured, sustainable pathway that supports athletes from beginner stages through to elite high-performance racing, while fostering a lifelong passion for sailing.
Equally important is establishing the academy as a regional leader in sailing development while raising the profile of DOSC, attracting international competition, and strengthening the UAE's presence on the global sailing stage.
World-Class Training
Inspiring and nurturing a high-performing sailing team by providing world-class training and opportunities through our academy.
Values & Passion
Empowering kids with the values of teamwork, respect and resilience, while fostering a lifelong passion for sailing.
Inclusive Community
Creating a vibrant and inclusive community within the sailing academy where youth sailors, coaches, and families come together to share a passion for the sport. Encouraging a supportive environment where young sailors develop their skills and character, preparing them for excellence in the sport and in life.
Pathway
Meet the Team
Ard Van Aanholt
Program Director
With a lifelong passion for sailing that began on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, I have built my career around both high level competition and professional race management.
Over the past 15 years in Europe, I have combined international racing experience with leadership roles in event organisation and athlete development. As a Race Officer in the Netherlands, I have worked at major events including the European Team Racing Championships for Optimists and the World Sailing World Cup.
As a competitor, I have represented my country at five Optimist World Championships, won a bronze medal at the World Sailing Championships in the Sunfish, and am the current Dutch National Champion in the Star Class. Alongside this, I have coached sailors who have gone on to compete in The Ocean Race and at the Olympic Games.
I am passionate about building strong racing structures, developing sailors at every level, and creating high quality events that inspire performance and community within the sport.
Vasileia Karachaliou
Optimist Senior Coach
I coach the Optimist Senior Squad and bring a wealth of experience as an ILCA 6 Olympic sailor, having competed at the Tokyo 2021 Games and qualified for Paris 2024. Alongside my career as a professional athlete, I've coached all ILCA rig classes at international regattas.
My vision for the Senior Squad is to develop well-rounded sailors with the racing skills and mindset to represent DOSC with distinction at international regattas, clinics, and training events around the world. I am committed to cultivating athletes who can perform at the highest level in all conditions, with resilience, discipline, and excellence at the core of their approach.
Molly Hinsliff-Smith
Optimist Development Coach
I coach the Optimist Development Squad and am a certified Level 3 Race Coach with four years of experience. My coaching background spans a range of classes, including Optimists, Toppers, 29ers, and Team Racing in Fireflies. As a junior, I represented GBR in the Topper class and competed in the 29er.
My goal for the Development Squad is to foster consistent participation in all DOSC regattas and the SARF Nationals, while preparing sailors with the skills and confidence to compete in at least one international regatta each season.
Matias Adaminas
ILCA Coach
I am an ILCA race coach with over 10 years of coaching experience, working with sailors at every stage of their development, from first time racers to athletes competing at high level championships. What motivates me most is helping sailors discover a genuine passion for the sport while guiding them to reach their full potential on the racecourse.
My sailing background spans a wide range of classes, including Optimist, ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and J24 among other keelboats. This diverse experience allows me to bring a well rounded and adaptable approach to coaching, combining technical skill, race strategy, and long term athlete development. As a WS certified coach, I focus on creating a positive, challenging, and goal oriented training environment, where sailors build confidence, resilience, and a strong love for racing.
My aim is simple: to help each sailor perform at their best and enjoy the journey along the way.
Training Diaries
Check out our latest training sessions and see what our sailors are up to!
