29th edition of Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race officially opens

by Aramex 27 Jan 2022 03:01 AEDT 5 February 2022

Aramex and Dubai Offshore Sailing Club ("DOSC") are pleased to announce the opening of the 29th edition of the Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race (Aramex D2M), which starts on Saturday, 5th February 2022.

The Aramex D2M is the longest running offshore race in the MENA region, covering over 360 miles of challenging and adventurous sailing around the Musandam Peninsula. 20 teams aboard a mix of keelboats and multihulls are set to compete for five successive days, marking their start from DOSC. From there, the teams will sail across the Arabian Gulf to the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, passing through the famous Straits of Hormuz, with the final leg taking a southeastern route leading to Muscat, the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman, before finishing at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat.

The race 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 racers during the race. Supporting sponsors include Ulysse Nardin, Montegrappa, Beneteau, North Sails, and Elcome.

Organized by DOSC and the United Arab Emirates Sailing & Rowing Federation ("UAE SARF") in association with the Oman Maritime Sports Committee, the event is recognized by the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) and Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

Andy Van der Velde, President at Aramex, said: "We are very pleased to be the title sponsor of one of the most prestigious sailing events in the sporting history of the UAE. At Aramex, we have high regard for discipline, collaboration, and a strong drive to achieve excellence - core values that we will witness in action as the world's top sailors compete in what is set to be one of the most challenging and enjoyable sailing races in the region. We look forward to welcoming sailors, their friends and families, sailing enthusiasts and visitors to this fantastic event."

David Worrall, Head of the Aramex D2M Race Committee and SARF Race Director, commented: "This year's Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore race marks its 29th edition, demonstrating the enduring appeal of competitive offshore racing amongst the region's sailing community. With a challenging course over 360 miles and four days of continuous racing, the Aramex D2M offers a significant adventure challenge for all the sailors of all levels, from professionals and hard-core races to amateurs and more low-key cruisers.

He continued: "Being a key event in the Asian Sailing Region race calendar, which stretches from Saudi Arabia to Japan, the Aramex D2M aims to contribute to the UAE's ambitious vision to develop a sports community capable of achieving global success, in line with the proposed UAE Sports Sector Strategy 2032, and drive recognition of Dubai and the UAE as a world-class sailing destination."

Having evolved extensively since its inaugural event in 1992, Aramex D2M today attracts the region's largest and most skilled modern sailing teams. During the intervening years, participation has grown substantially, with boats from all over the UAE crewed by an international cohort of sailors.

For more information on Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, visit the official website.