Dubai – Muscat Offshore Sailing Race - Preview

The Dubai – Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, along the coastline of Arabian Peninsular, covers 360 nautical miles. Passing through the shallows of the Arabian Gulf and into the deep water of the Indian Ocean via the Straits of Hormuz, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The race ends in Muscat, the capital of Oman at the Bandar Al-Rawdah Marina.

Weather conditions can be variable to say the least, The Shamals can arrive in late November bringing strong winds, sand and even thunder storms. During the day, the air temperature will be over 30 degrees but will fall rapidly during the night, which may cause land breezes to form. The route from Dubai to Muscat is definitely a challenging one with some awe-inspiring scenery.

Hot favourite for overall line honours is the 100’ Hi Tech Trimaran Majan, skippered by round the world veteran, Paul Standbridge. Half of the crew are from Oman and the boat is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. Majan should literally be flying around the course, to a rousing reception in Muscat. Line honours for the monohulls should go to the all carbon TP52, Team Premier, skippered by Hannes Waimer with the highly experienced Peter Morton as navigator.

The first ever Dubai – Muscat Offshore Sailing Race was in 1992.The 2009 edition of this Middle eastern classic has been very well supported with far more entries expected than in previous years, a sign of the growing development of yacht racing in the region and the enthusiasm of the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and its members.

There is a huge variety of yachts competing under the IRC handicap rule with hundreds of sailors of varying experience. Bint Oak is 44ft sloop, skippered by Barrie Hamsworth who will be competing in his 15th race but his crew, bar tactician Bernie Masters, have never done the race before.

Corne Pieterse, originally from South Africa is noted as Starboard Trim on Bint Oak’s crew list. 42 years of age, 6’4” and weighing in at 263 pounds, Corne is a monster of a man. His other jobs on board are recorded as; ballast and security. Corne has never done anything like this race before but does own a boat.

“I am the proud owner of an Optimist which is moored in the garden. It is regularly used as a splash pool for the kids...I am really looking forward to the race and hope to meet lots of new faces whilst waving at passing ships on the trip.” Commented Pieterse, with a dash of humour!

All of the yachts racing are equipped with the latest satellite trackers from Xtra-Link and the competitors are able to send messages, pictures and even video back from the boats which will be posted on the vent web site.

To follow the race as it unfolds, visit the Dubai – Muscat Offshore Sailing Race web site.