The 2018 Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race started today shortly after 14.00hrs local time. 16 boats are taking part in this, the 26th edition of the race, in 3 divisions: IRC, Double-Handed & Club classes. The weather conditions at the start were a moderate 8-10knot westerly wind, which gave the boats a downwind start and broad reach up the Dubai coast past the World Islands, before rounding the Deira Palm.
The 100ft Swan “Rusalka” has taken an early lead, however the breeze is forecast to reduce gradually throughout the afternoon which will favour the smaller boats. All boats have a tracker on-board, enabling the progress of the race to be followed through an online link http://yb.tl/d2m2018
Officials from Dubai Immigration were on hand this morning at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, to handle the passports of all the participants. We are very grateful to them for a swift & smooth process. With a wide range of nationalities & ages taking part, we tracked down the oldest & youngest sailors for this years’ race.
Fawzi Sultan from Kuwait will turn 74years of age this month, he is skippering Yacht El-Seraya in his 3rd Dubai to Muscat Race. At the other end of the age scale Daire O’Loughlin from Ireland is 18yrs of age and is crewing on board Yacht Rush Knot in his first race to Muscat.