.I live in Bahrain, and am quite involved with sailing here. Happy to answer any questions you may have, but for some unsolicited background; there are two main sailing clubs (the Ritz Carlton having recently stopped it's sailing side of things).
The Bahrain Sailing Club on the South Western side of the island have a fleet of J24's, and are really the only place for dinghy racing (Laser's and Opti's). They're a nice bunch of guys, and the club is very laid back. Cost's a couple of dinars (3 Quid or so) to visit for the day and have a nice beach and small cafe.
The Bahrain Yacht Club is based on the Eastern coast by Sitra. We have an active Hobie fleet as well as an odd assortment of Cruisers ranging from Swift's, through to a Phillip Rhodes 41. There are quite a few powerboaters though....
Additionally, there are a couple of marina's where you can moor your boat should you not wish to get involved with either club. Amwaj has a Commercial Marina as well as a bunch of moorings directly out in front of the villa's and apartments in what is known as the "floating city" and the Marina Club closer in to the city has space. The disadvantage with the Marina Club is a height restriction of 14 Metres to clear the bridge between it and the open sea.
There is also another Marina at the bottom of the island, Durat, which is due to come online sometime this year.
If you're into Laser racing head for the Bahrain Sailing Club, if you're into just getting on a Cruiser and maybe doing some muck about sailing, head for the BYC. We do have an RYA training center also.
As said before, happy to help if you have any questions.
Cheers, PT.
