2015 Dubai to Muscat Yacht Race gets off to a perfect start

by Louay Habib on 29 Oct 2015 2015 Dubai to Muscat Yacht Race – HE Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nehayan, Chairman of UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, welcomed the competitors to the 24th edition, which got off to a perfect start outside the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. A northerly breeze of close to ten knots gave the fleet a tight reach for the start, along the impressive backdrop of the City of Dubai.

Yachts from seven different countries and crew from all over the world, are taking part in the region's longest running and most prestigious offshore race, which is recognised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. The 350-mile offshore race takes the fleet through the Arabian Gulf, through the complex Straits of Hormuz and into the Indian Ocean to finish the race in Muscat, Oman.

Hannes Weimer's German Landmark 43, Atari 7, got away well at the Committee Boat end to lead the fleet at the start. Several yachts headed offshore, potentially anticipating that the northerly sea breeze may disintegrate during the afternoon, replaced by a easterly head wind. This scenario will favour the boats offshore. Weather forecasts predict a fair easterly breeze during the night, giving upwind conditions in the Arabian Gulf.