The race is scheduled for four days and 20 hours, departing from DOSC in Dubai on November 10 and ending at 18:00 on November 14 at Al Mouj Marina in Muscat.
More than 30 boats have expressed interest and begun the registration process for this silver anniversary edition of the race. The race is organised by the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation (UAE SARF), in association with Oman’s Ministry of Sports Affairs, and recognised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).
The course is over 300 nautical miles up the coast of the UAE, around the straits of Hormuz and south east across the Persian Gulf to Muscat. In 2013, Adrian Lee broke a 13-year record for the course, crossing the finish line at Muscat in a time of two days, 53 minutes and 40 seconds.
In 2014, two boats broke the 2013 record. Doug Hassell at the helm of Diablo set a course record of one day, 19 hours, 52 minutes and 41 seconds, followed by Phil Ellerby just two hours behind.
A series of events have been planned to celebrate the 25th anniversary, including a Race Village at Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour and the Sohar education program, a new initiative designed to introduce racing to a new generation.
From September, students from five GEMS Education schools enrolled in the program will learn aspects of sailing including navigation, meteorology, boat construction and sailing event management.
