Le Mridien Al Aqah Welcomes Amateurs and Professionals to Participate on the Open Waters
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Reaffirming the popularity of water sports with GCC residents, Le Mridien Al Aqah has today announced that its now infamous fly fishing academy is once again open for the forthcoming sporting season.
A seasonal activity, fly fishing requires a great deal of skill and patience and the Fujairah Salt Water Fly Fishing Academy - run under the auspices of acclaimed fisherman Martin James - therefore aims to offer anglers of all abilities the necessary insight and expert tuition required for the sport.
Situated on a dramatic stretch of coastline adjacent to the Hajar Mountains, the academy is, according to James, perfectly situated:
"With its densely populated and flat waters, the Gulf is perfect for this style of fishing," said James.
"Moreover, Fujairah, in contrast to Dubai and the windy West Coast, is particularly suitable," he added.
James - whose previous accolades include the most prestigious award within the angling world, the Lord Mason's Illuminated Scroll - never travels without his rod and since his first visit to the UAE in 1992, has been enthralled by the seas surrounding Arabia.
"The equipment required for fly fishing is minimal and it is consequently an ideal pursuit for tourists," James continued.
"Unlike more conventional methods of angling, fly fishing is less messy and does not involve live bait but a hook covered in silk furs which, when combined with an expert cast, imitates a bait fish."
The academy offers a range of courses and expert tuition and covers all aspects of the sport, from the various methods of tying knots, to the mechanics of casting and the use of floating, sinking and intermediate lines. The longest programs, which last for three days and, inclusive of two night's accommodation at Le Meridien Al Aqah, cost upwards of AED 2,333 and are available at both a beginner's and advanced level. The three-day program is set to run from November 15th - November 17th and again from November 19th - November 21st.
"It's an addictive sport," said Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.
"Since the academy's opening earlier this year, I have been enthralled by the sport and I am therefore getting my rod ready in anticipation," Antaki concludes.
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About Le Mridien
Le Mridien Hotels & Resorts, with its portfolio of 130 luxury and upscale hotels in 53 countries worldwide, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Le Mridien enjoys a strategic alliance with JAL-owned Nikko Hotels, providing loyal guests access to an additional 52 properties around the world. In the 2005 Luxury Brand Status Index survey Le Mridien was recognized as one of the top 15 luxury hotel brands. For more information, please visit www.lemeridien.com.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W, Le Mridien and the recently announced aloftSM and ELEMENTSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
© Press Release 2006
