Asian Sailing Federation’s premiere event brings together a pack of some seasoned campaigners as well as number of talented youngsters who have left a permanent mark in junior classes in the past decade. Six days of racing will test them and leave them judged. KC Ganapathy from India, competing in the 49er, summed up by saying simply that being on that racecourse, "was essential." Essential, that is, to anyone who hopes to be competing at the 2016 Olympic Games.

With as many as 130 sailors entered, the event sets a record for participation in the 06 Olympic Classes in Asia. The 06 Olympic are: Laser Radial (women), Laser (men), Men's RS:X, Women's RS:X, 49er (men) and 49er FX (women).

ASAF medals, gold, silver and bronze, will be awarded to the top three boats in each Olympic class on Saturday, March 12.

Jason Lim, Secretary General, Asian Sailing Federation is pleased, he said, "To see so many sailors from Asia, especially some that are not represented so much in racing in World events is a pleasure indeed. Looking ahead, the forecast for breeze is good; much better than the extreme light air we have traditionally had in the past years; so we face fewer challenges there. We do have challenges on the Laser course because we have a wealth of entries, but we have the best race officials in the world working and we'll be fine."

Reflecting upon the decision last year to organise the event here, Malav Shroff, President, Asian Sailing Federation, observed, "A turnout this large and this competitiveness confirms that Abu Dhabi is a preferred venue for future competitions to be organised under ASAF banner. The heat is rising as we come closer to the 2016 Games in Rio, and we'll see the evidence on the water in the coming week."

There are three racing areas to accommodate six Olympic classes, with 12:00 starts for 49er skiffs off the Abu Dhabi coast. By afternoon, everybody will be racing – sailors from 23 countries in a record fleet for the ASAF Asian Championship 2016.