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Rashid bin Hamdan crowned Namran 211 as the Champion of the 32nd Al Gaffal

31 May 2023

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, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Al Nasr Cultural and Sports Club, crowned the crew of the boat Namran 211, owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and led by skipper Ali Abdullah Al-Marzouki, as the champions of the 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (60ft).

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored the boat no. 9 Al Taf , which is owned by Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi and captained by Youssef Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi who secure second place in the race. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to the crew of Zilzal 25, owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and led by captain Marwan Abdullah Al-Marzouki, for their achievement in securing the third position. Furthermore, Sheikh Rashid acknowledged the crews of Al Adeed 30, owned by Mohammed Rashid Musabah Al Rumaithi and led by his son Rashid, who secured the fourth position, and Al Shaqi 96, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and led by Khalaf Butti Musabah Al Ghasheesh Al Marri, who took the fifth position.

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan graciously honored the owners of the first five boats to cross the first finish line: Al Adeed 30 (first place), Namran 211 (second place), Zayurikh 120 (third place), Zilzal 25 (fourth place), and Al Shaqi 96 (fifth place).  This recognition took place with the presence of Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), Saif Jumaa Al-Suwaidi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rashid Thani Al-Aail and Ali Saeed bin Thalith, members of the Board of Directors, and Mohammed Harib, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DIMC. 

The preceding race presented a significant challenge for both the organizing committee and the participants, as they had to navigate the unpredictable weather conditions of the Arabian Gulf. However, the committee managed to select an ideal date for the race launch, ensuring favorable wind speeds for a successful event. A total of 125 dhow boats gathered at Sir Bu Nair Island, raising their white sails as the green flag signaled the start of the race. They embarked on a journey towards Moon Island, the first finish line situated 26 nautical miles away from the starting point. In an impressive display of skill, the crew of Al Adeed 30 emerged as the first boat to cross the finish line, in a remarkable time of 02.18.03 hours.

Following that, a crucial stage unfolded in the pursuit for the title, characterized by fluctuating wind speeds and the emergence of the sailors expertise. As a result, the dynamics shifted, and several competitors emerged, vying to claim the spotlight. Among them, the crew of the boat Namran 211 who demonstrated their exceptional skills, setting a new record time in the Al Gaffal race as they cross the finish line in a remarkable time of 04.45.10 hours.  


32nd Al  Gaffal Race Result :

1- Namran 211, 2- Al-Taf 9, 3- Zilzal 25, 4- Al Adeed 30, 5- Al Shaqi 96


Moon Island , First Finish Line : 

1 Al Adeed 30, 2- Namran 211, 3- Zayurikh 120, 4- Zilzal 25, 5- Al Shaqi 96


Rashid bin Hamdan congratulated the winners of the 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal Race.

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed his appreciation for the tremendous support that the race receives from His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. He also commended His Highness' ongoing interest in the race, which was inaugurated by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 1991.

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the President of Al-Nasr Cultural and Sports Club and Chairman of the National Information Office, extended his congratulations to the owner of the boat Nimran 211 for their victory and second crown in the last three seasons. He praised the efforts of the sailor and boat crew throughout race in their impressive time of 4:45:10 hours.

In addition, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended his heartfelt congratulations to the organizing committee and the Dubai International Marine Club for their exceptional management of the 32nd Al Gaffal Race. He acknowledged their remarkable efforts in ensuring a successful event. This race serves as the culmination of the 2022-2023 marine sports season and aligns with the club's festivities commemorating its Coral Jubilee(35th anniversary) since its establishment in 1988. 


Honoring a Group of Many

In a ceremony celebrating the achievements of many, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Al-Nasr Cultural and Sports Club, was bestowed with an honorary shield by the esteemed Al Obeid Group of Heritage Dhows. Mohammed Rashid Musabeh Al Rumaithi expressed his appreciation for the invaluable support extended by the wise leadership, enabling the preservation of this legacy passed down by previous generations. This support serves as a driving force for the Emirati people to persistently contribute and showcase this heritage to the world.


Al Suwaidi Signals the Start & Conclusion of the Race

Saif Juma Al Suwaidi, Vice Chairman of DIMC and the Higher Organizing Committee for the 32nd Al Gaffal Race, closely followed the race alongside members of the Higher Organizing Committee, namely Rashid Thani Al Aail, Ali Saeed Bin Thalith, and Mohammed Harib. They observed the race from start to finish and had the opportunity to meet the sailors and boat owners , the day prior to the event.

During the race, Saif Juma Al Suwaidi took on the role of signaling the start by raising the green flag off in Sir Bu Nair Island. Furthermore, he had the honor of presenting the checkered flag to the crew of the Namran 211 , signifying the race's conclusion.


Bin Meshar appreciates the support of the Crown Prince of Dubai

Ahmad Saeed Bin Meshar, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai International Marine Club and the Higher Organizing Committee, expressed his deep appreciation for the support and patronage extended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, towards the 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race. This race marks the conclusion of the 2022-2023 marine sports season.

Bin Meshar conveyed his gratitude to Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the President of Al Nasr Cultural and Sports Club, for attending the ceremony that honored the champions of the 32nd edition and presented prizes to the top 5 winners. He also extended his congratulations to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the impressive achievements of his two boats, Namran 211 securing the first place and Zilzal 25 securing the third place.


Mohammed Harib praises the role of the Partners & Participants

Mohammed Harib, a member of the Higher Organizing Committee and CEO of DIMC, praised the vital role played by the partners and participants in ensuring the success of the 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal Race. He commended their positive and active contributions, which added another remarkable chapter to the event's history and the conclusion of the 2022-2023 marine sports season.



Al Gaffal Golden Record:

  • 1991: Al Awir 47 (43ft)
  • 1992: Fares 46 (43ft)
  • 1993: Al Aziyab 22 (43ft)
  • 1993: Mansour 36 (43ft)
  • 1994: Barraq 30 (60ft)
  • 1995: Barraq 30 (60ft)
  • 1996: Serdal 83 (60ft)
  • 1997: Serdal 83 (60ft)
  • 1998: Al Ghayoon 17 (60ft)
  • 1999: Dass 45 (60ft)
  • 2000: Al Raed 92 (60ft)
  • 2001: Barraq 30 (60ft)
  • 2002: Barraq 30 (60ft)
  • 2003: Al Zeer 16 (60ft)
  • 2004: Ghazi 103 (60ft)
  • 2005: Al Zeer 16 (60ft)
  • 2006: Ghazi 103 (60ft)
  • 2007: Atlas 12 (60ft)
  • 2008: Al Zeer 16 (60ft)
  • 2009: Al Qaffay 4 (60ft)
  • 2010: Zilzal 25 (60ft)
  • 2011: Dalma Marine 16 (60ft)
  • 2012: Al Sahel 31 (60ft)
  • 2013: Ghazi 103 (60ft)
  • 2014: Barraq 33 (60ft)
  • 2015: Ghazi 103 (60ft)
  • 2016: Zilzal 25 (60ft)
  • 2017: Zilzal 25 (60ft)
  • 2018: Ghazi 103 (60ft)
  • 2019: Al Shaqi 96 (60ft)
  • 2021: Namran 211 (60ft)
  • 2022: Hasheem 199 (60ft)
  • 2023: Namran 211 (60ft)