Mike Lawton came to Qatar to advise on race management for "Sail The Gulf" Regatta and obtained ISAF status for the event. A dedicated sailor, Mike has a string of achievements under his belt including coaching national teams to Olympic medal winning level, himself a successful member of the British team in Yachts and Dinghies. He has also developed medal winning boats for the US Olympic team.

As an ISAF International Race Officer, Mike runs many major International Regattas and Yachting events. Race coaching was supplied to National Teams preparing for 2006 Asian Games.

The Regatta Sailing Academy operates from the Intercontinental Hotel with British RYA qualified instructors offering windsurfing and sailing to complete beginners as well as those wishing to improve their boat handling or racing skills. Term-time activity classes are available to children from the age of 7 years; older children and teenagers are catered for separately. Five-day holiday courses operate during Eid, Easter, Christmas and throughout July and August. Race Training takes place on  Saturdays, supported by local companies with regular trophy presentations. Ladies only groups operate during the morning; couples, families and corporate teams sail on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Academy's ever expanding Fleet at the Intercon Sailing Centre includes Optimist, Pico, Laser Funboats (mini-cats), Laser 4.7, Radial and Standard, Laser Vago and Dart 16 Catamarans.

Yachting courses and skippered charters are offered on the company yachts "Waveplane" and "The Office" used also for Corporate Team Building events, Schools International Award Scheme (Duke of Edinburgh's Award and Congressional Award), the Dubai - Muscat Offshore Race and Bahrain Regattas.

Many local companies sponsor the Academy sails, a colourful advertising medium.