The Convoy of the Organizing Committee for the 32nd Al Gaffal Race is heading toward Sir Bu Na'air Island in preparation for the upcoming race on Tuesday. The race is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
The great heritage race is organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, celebrating its coral jubilee (35th anniversary) since its establishment in 1988. It pays homage to the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum through the Al Gaffal Race, an annual event that has been celebrated since 1991.
The upcoming yacht, Zabeel, will arrive at Sir Bu Nair Island today. It will accommodate the members of the organizing committees, the field hospital, and the medical staff. The yacht will play a crucial role in race preparations, including receiving of the participants upon their arrival on the island, facilitating technical and safety procedures, and handing over the GPS Tracking Device to monitor the boats during the race.
Tomorrow, the Higher Organizing Committee will join the journey aboard the Dubawi yacht, accompanied by the TV delegation from Dubai Media Incorporation via Dubai Sports TV Channel on the Shindagha yacht. Additionally, the logistics and support team will be on board the Quatro Shadow yacht.
The upcoming race is scheduled to start on Tuesday, the 30th of May 2023, from Sir Bu Nair Island, located in the depths of the Arabian Gulf. The race course will include a stop at Moon Island before culminating at the finish line in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. The participating dhow boats are expected to cover a distance of approximately 53 nautical miles.
The 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal Race will see the participation of 125 dhow boats, marking the second-largest number of participants after the 29th edition in 2019, which witnessed the registration of 131 boats.
Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi, a veteran sailor and the founder of the Al Odaid Dhow Sailing Group, holds the title for achieving the most accomplishments in the Al Gaffal Race since its establishment in 1991. He sincerely expresses his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Al Rumaithi recognizes and values His Highness's unwavering support and commitment to ensuring the resounding success of this heritage race. Carrying the legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who inaugurated this event over three decades ago.
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