The Higher Organizing Committee of the 32nd Al Gaffal Dhow Sailing Race (60ft), held under the generous support and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has approved Tuesday as the new date for the event.
The great heritage race is organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, commemorating its coral jubilee (35th anniversary) since its establishment in 1988. We remember the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum through the Al Gaffal Race, an annual event celebrated since 1991.
The upcoming race is scheduled to start on Tuesday, the 30th of May 2023, from Sir Bu Nair Island, located deep in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The race course will lead to the first stop at Moon Island and continue towards the finish line in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. The participating dhow boats are expected to sail approximately 53 nautical miles.
Mohammed Harib, the CEO of the Dubai International Marine Club and a member of the Higher Organizing Committee, emphasized the utmost importance placed on the security and safety of all participants, as well as the preservation of their boats. This commitment stems from the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The event's organizing committee is fully dedicated to upholding this priority and ensuring a safe journey for everyone involved.
Harib confirmed that the Higher Organizing Committee has chosen Tuesday as the new date for the race. He also noted that in the event of unfavorable weather conditions or a forecast that prohibits the race from taking place, it will be postponed by one day and held on Wednesday, as per the latest data.
He further revealed that the Higher Organizing Committee, under the leadership of Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dubai International Marine Club, has been closely monitoring all developments regarding the sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the country's coastlines. According to the meteorological reports, the most suitable date for the race falls on Tuesday.
He added, "The Organizing Committee has taken proactive measures by conducting two visits to Sir Bu Na'air Island. These visits aim to oversee the equipment and monitor the sea conditions in order to ensure the safe arrival of the organizing committee's convoy. Additionally, the participating dhow boats and crews will undergo necessary participation procedures, including safety checks and the receiving of tracking devices."
125 Dhow Boats on 32nd Edition
The upcoming event will witness the participation of 125 dhow boats in the 32nd edition of the Al Gaffal Race, marking the second-largest number of participants after the 29th edition in 2019, which saw the registration of 131 participants.
The Champions
It is worth noting that the Al Gaffal Races, since its establishment in 1991 until the 31st edition in 2022, have witnessed the crowning of 19 Champions. These remarkable individuals have earned titles and secured first places in previous editions, leaving an indelible mark as their names were written in golden letters.
The race's first edition in 1991 witnessed the victory of Al Awir 47 and Fares 46 in the 43ft Dhow Boats category. In the following year, 1992, Al Aziyab 22 emerged as the champion.
In 1993, the race introduced the 60ft category, and Mansour 36 became the first winner. Subsequently, the ship Barraq 30 achieved remarkable success, securing the title four times. Other notable winners include Serdal 83 (two wins), Al Ghayoon 17, Dass 45, Al Raed 92, Al Zeer 16 (four times), Ghazi 103 (five times), Atlas 12, Al Qaffay (four times), Zilzal 25 (three times), Al Sahel 31, Barraq 33, Al Shaqi 96, Namran 211, and the reigning title holder in the last edition, the crew of the ship Hashim 199.
