Dubai – Muscat Offshore Sailing Race starts in dazzling conditions

by Louay Habib on 27 Nov 2009
The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club was a hive of activity this morning, as hundreds of competitors, family and friends, gathered to make last minute preparations for the Dubai – Muscat Offshore Sailing race.

In sublime conditions, the 22 boat strong fleet got off to a great start, by 1p.m local time, a near perfect ten knot sea breeze set in from the north, giving the competitors a wonderful send off for the 350 mile race to Muscat. Spectators lined the sea walls to wish them safe passage and to no one’s surprise the mighty Arabian 100, Majan, made short work of the early going, speeding away at pace. The Omani trimaran hugged the Dubai coastline in search of breeze before heading offshore to the turning mark. Skippered by round the world veteran, Paul Standbridge, the impressive trimaran is crewed by Omanis, as part of the Oman Sail initiative.

Team Premier, Hannes Waimer’s modified TP52, was next on the water slipping along effortlessly. Dag Skarsgard’s, all Norwegian crewed Landmark 43 had an impressive start, as did Nibras Al Murqab, the Qatari, Beneteau 44.7. As the impressive skyline of Dubai disappeared into the distance, the entire fleet were enjoying what can only be described as superb sailing conditions.

All of the yachts are carrying Thuraya XT satellite phones and tracking systems from race sponsor Xtra-Link. You can follow the progress of the race by visiting: www.dosc.ae.