Dubai to Muscat Sailing Race begins on Feb.24

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) proudly enters its 50th year as a beacon of sailing excellence, camaraderie, and maritime adventure in the UAE. Alongside this historic milestone, DOSC is thrilled to announce the 31st Annual Dubai to Muscat Race Offshore Sailing Race, the longest-serving international race in the club’s illustrious history.

Over 20 teams are expected to participate with a mix of keelboats and multihulls from 27 to 100 ft in length. Starting from DOSC on Jumeirah Beach on Feb.24, the teams will sail across the Arabian Gulf to the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, passing along the coast of the Musandam Peninsula and through the famous Straits of Hormuz. The final leg will take the participants on a South Eastern route leading to Muscat, the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman, before finishing at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. As DOSC celebrates its golden jubilee, the club is honoured to host the Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, a testament to its enduring legacy and commitment to fostering competitive sailing in the region. This iconic race has stood the test of time, showcasing the dedication, skill, and determination of sailors navigating the challenging course between Dubai and Muscat over the last 30 years.

Embracing the genuine passion of its members for the sport, this year’s race will see the oldest skipper, Fawzi Sultan, competing in his J122 ‘El Seraya’ with the ambition of claiming the top spot. Speaking about his involvement in this year’s D2M race, 80-year-old Fawzi remarked, “I live in Kuwait so getting myself and ‘El Seraya’ to the starting line of D2M takes a special effort. For me, nothing matches the feeling of racing alongside strong teams and using our skills and tactics day and night to sail fast. The scenery sailing through the Musandam is incredible. After coming second last year by only 6 minutes after 3 days of racing my goal is to win D2M this year and we have a wonderful crew to make this happen.”

Mike Rich, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Aramex, said, “ “We eagerly anticipate our role as title sponsors for the 2024 Dubai to Muscat race! Our ongoing sponsorship reflects our unwavering dedication to the sport that aligns seamlessly with our business’s vision and values. With a strong emphasis on innovation, technology, sustainability, speed, and quality, we consistently deliver, adapting seamlessly to any environment – mirroring the challenges faced by these resilient team.

We are excited to welcome the winners’ home and wish each team all the best!” Organised by DOSC and the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation (“UAE SARF”) in association with the Oman Maritime Sports Committee, the D2M Offshore Sailing Race is recognised by the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) and Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). The event is sponsored by Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions committed to ensuring the safe and seamless movement of both boats and sailors during the event. Supporting sponsors include Ulysse Nardin, Montegrappa, Beneteau, Elvstrom and Elcome.

Throughout five decades, DOSC has remained a steadfast advocate for sailing proficiency, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiastic members. The longevity of the Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race signifies DOSC’s dedication to promoting competitive sailing on an international stage.

The deadline for entries into this year’s Aramex D2M is Feb.17, and the Notice of Race and online registration forms are available on the event’s website: https://dubaitomuscatrace.com/. Founded in 1974 as a non-profit organisation, DOSC is run by a board of committed volunteers, and sailing enthusiasts who each bring their expertise to guarantee the club operates efficiently. Today, DOSC has a significant presence in Dubai with over 700 members who enjoy the club, a marina with 152 berths, an extremely welcoming clubhouse, and a busy social calendar.