The organizing committee convoy for the 33rd Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, departed from the Dubai shore today, heading to Sir Bu Na’air island for the conclusion race of the 2023-2024 season of the Dubai International Marine Club.
The convoy of the organizing committee for the 33rd Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, departs from the Dubai shore today, heading to Sir Bu Na’air Island for the conclusion race of the 2023-2024 season of Dubai International Marine Club.
The race was initially scheduled to start tomorrow, Wednesday, according to the plans of the Organizing Committee. However, after closely monitoring the weather forecast and wind direction, they decided to postpone the race to the next two reserve days, which are Thursday and Friday.
This prestigious race was founded by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and has been organized by the Dubai International Marine Club since 1991. It begins from Sir Bu Nair Island, passes through Moon Island, and concludes at the Dubai shore, covering a race distance of more than 50 nautical miles. This year marks the 33rd edition of the race.
121 Dhow boats have confirmed their participation in the event, with more than 2500 sailors on board preparing to retrace the path of their forefathers, returning home from diving and fishing trips in search of abundant livelihoods.
Departing
Dubai International Marine Club began departing today for Sir Bu Na’air Island, which includes some vessels and Zabeel Yacht which houses the control committee and a floating hospital with doctors and paramedics, which will be operational before the event and during the race.
Other vessels will also depart on Tuesday towards Sir Bu Na’air Island. These vessels will be used by the committee, including the jury, control committee, and the Dubai Quattro Shadow for logistical operations. The rest of the convoy will depart on Wednesday while waiting for the race day.
The race committee will begin to carry out their work for the arrival of the participants who are awaiting the decision of the organizing committee to proceed safely towards Sir Bu Na’air Island. This includes completing procedures such as technical inspections and receiving GPS tracking devices prior to the race day.
Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 33rd Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, emphasized the race's significance and its revered status in the hearts of the people of the Emirates. It embodies values that reflect the community’s deep-rooted interest in its traditional heritage.
He noted that the Al Gaffal Race, founded by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum more than three decades ago, has significantly contributed to establishing a solid foundation for traditional sports. Today, it serves as a cornerstone for continuing this legacy, reviving the past of their ancestors.
As a member of the Higher Organizing Committee of the 33rd Al Gaffal Race, he extended his best wishes to all participating boat owners, captains, and sailors, emphasizing that their presence in this grand event makes them all winners. Their contributions to this epic tradition will be marked in the success story of the current edition.