High calibre fleet lining up for IRC Middle East Championship in Dubai
by Andy Rice 11 Dec 23:24 HKT
13-14 December 2025
This year, the IRC fleet will join a larger event expected to feature around 100 boats across various classes © Mikey Brignall / DOSC
The 4th annual IRC Middle East Championship is set to attract a high-calibre fleet this weekend for two days of close fought competition.
- The event takes place over the weekend of 13 & 14 December and forms a crucial part of the wider DOSC Winter Regatta.
- Current IRC 2 European Champion, Ivana & Aleks, is the benchmark in Division 1 after three consecutive titles in Dubai.
Hosted by the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) as the highlight of its annual Winter Regatta, the Championship always attracts a strong turnout, with over 30 boats competing in each of the past three years.
"The IRC Middle East Championships has left a significant mark on the sailing community - from when it was established just a few years ago," said Ed Shiffner, Rear Commodore at DOSC. "We believe that this event is paving the way for greater regional representation within the sailing community. IRC provides a level playing field where sailing enthusiasts from around the world feel encouraged to participate in the various racing events hosted by DOSC.''
"With such a popular hub airport in Dubai that's directly connected to many major cities in Europe and Asia, we're delighted to see more and more overseas sailors coming to enjoy our great racing conditions and perfect winter climate in Dubai."
This year, the IRC fleet will join a larger event expected to feature around 100 boats across various classes, including the SB20 fleet and a number of dinghy, multihull and keelboat divisions.
The two-day event promises a diverse challenge for skippers and crew, with the racing format split equally between demanding 50% inshore racing and longer distance 50% coastal courses.
In Division 1, the boat Ivana & Aleks, a Landmark 43 skippered by Chavdar Aleksandrov, is the benchmark. Aleksandrov has secured the Division 1 title for the past three consecutive events. Furthermore, the team are the current IRC 2 European Champions and placed 2nd Overall at the IRC European Championships.
Aleksandrov commented: "We're excited for the IRC Middle East Championships, it's one of the biggest events for the fleet. The crew has been sailing together for the last three years, and have won the event previously, as well as the Aramex Dubai to Muscat Race, and this year's IRC 2 European Championships too, so we're hoping to do well again this year.
"We enjoy this event, as the level of competition is high, and there's lots of boats on the water. The organisation from DOSC has always been excellent, and everything has run very smoothly."
Division 2 is widely regarded as the most competitive class characterised by a different winner each year, underlining the depth of talent. Mark Nolan, skipper of the J80 Bluey, will return to defend their Division 2 title. "We're looking forward to this weekend's keelboat IRC Middle East Championships. It's a good mix of inshore and coastal racing in a fun and competitive environment. Let's hope for some similar success to last year!"
In Division 3, the team aboard the International Dragon JustUs, helmed by Sabine Rietjens, enters the event as strong favourite, having dominated the class by winning the previous three IRC Middle East Championships.
While the IRC Middle East Championship is the marquee event, it forms a crucial part of the wider DOSC Winter Regatta, which features competition for Multihulls, Keelboats (IRC 1, 2, 3, Cruiser, NHC Club, SB20) and Dinghy fleets (ILCA 4, 6, 7, Optimist, Fast Handicap).
Racing takes place over the weekend of 13 & 14 December.