SAIL Bahrain members arrived yesterday in Dubai onboard the Kingdom of Bahrain race yacht to join the start line of the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing Race which begins today.
The event marks the first offshore race for the Volvo 60 racing yacht under the 'Sail Bahrain' banner following its official launch at Amwaj Islands last week.
The 360-nautical mile race, which first took place in 1992, will begin at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. The fleet will pass through the shallows of the Gulf into the deep waters of the Indian Ocean and via the Straits of Hormuz, before arriving into Omani capital Muscat at the Bandar Al-Rawdah Marina.
This year's event has attracted significantly higher entrants than previous years, demonstrating the recent surge in sailing interest throughout the region. Entrants include a diverse range of boat designs and sailors of all abilities, who will compete under the IRC handicap rules.
The Kingdom of Bahrain Volvo 60 is set to compete in the monohull class, whilst line honours are expected to go to race favourite 'Majan', which is a 100-foot trimaran capable of speeds of over 30knots.
Skippering the Kingdom of Bahrain entry is experienced offshore sailor and Sail Bahrain team director Nick Crabtree, who, along with members of his shore crew, will be joined by Bahrain's national sailing hero Sami Kooheji and Captain Peter Gronberg, managing director of GAC, which is one of the largest shipping companies in the region and logistics partner to Sail Bahrain.
Also among the nine-strong crew are two members of Oman Sail, who as part of the ongoing relationship between Sail Bahrain and Oman Sail will use the race as a platform to share knowledge with the crew and gain valuable offshore monohull racing experience.
Bahrain Radio presenter David Bloomer completes the crew and hopes to provide regular, on-board broadcasts throughout the race.
"Following the success of last week's launch of Sail Bahrain, we're delighted to be competing in our first offshore race. The reaction we have received so far has been incredible. I believe seeing the boats in the water, carrying the Bahrain crest, has instilled a great deal of local pride and support and we are looking forward to flying the flag for Bahrain throughout the Gulf," said Crabtree.
Historically the race has known some variable weather conditions. The Shamals, which can arrive in late November, could throw up some strong winds, sand and even thunder storms, whilst with daytime temperatures soaring over 30 degrees Celsius, followed by a dramatic fall in temperature at night, land breezes may also form.
"Depending on the conditions, the race should take about two days, so we'll be working a watch-system to get the most out of the guys and the boat. If the winds are strong, we should do well in the first of what we hope will be many events in the region," added Crabtree.
The race is scheduled to start at midday today. All yachts will be fitted with satellite trackers, providing regular position updates via the race website dosc.ae.
