Champion Skippers And Crew To Race In The 30th Edition Of The Aramex Dubai To Muscat Offshore Sailing Race
Preparations for the 30th edition of the annual Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race (“Aramex D2M”) are underway at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (“DOSC”). So far, 25 boats have registered to participate in the longest and most challenging sailing race in the region. This year’s participants include 2022’s winning team, Twister, who is returning to defend their title and going for three wins in a row.
The annual race starts on Saturday, 4th February 2023 and covers 360 nautical miles where sailors navigate the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean before passing through the Straits of Hormuz to then cross the Gulf of Oman and arrive at the finish line at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha in Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Participants face challenging and sometimes treacherous conditions, forcing teams to maintain a strong and continuous commitment to sailing over five days.
The deadline for entries into this year’s Aramex D2M is Tuesday, 31st January 2023. The Notice of Race and online registration forms are available on the event’s website: https://dubaitomuscatrace.com/.
Matt Britton, last year’s winning skipper on yacht Twister, is sailing double-handed (only two crew members) and preparing to make it three wins in a row. Matt commented, “Myself and (co-skipper) Mitch are excited to be defending our Aramex D2M titles on our yacht, ‘Twister’. We are racing for a hat-trick of wins that is yet to be achieved in the race’s 30-year history. Our campaign this year has been made possible with the assistance of our two local partners, Al Seer Marine and P&O Marinas. Having been involved with the race for 18 years, 2023 looks like the strongest fleet line-up ever assembled. Particularly notable is the growth of the Double Handed Class where only two sailors are on board, often one sleeping while the other is sailing.”
Looking back over three decades of Aramex D2M’s history and how the race has helped build the UAE’s reputation as a world-class sailing destination, David Worrall, Race Director of the Aramex D2M Race commented, “Without a doubt, Aramex D2M has served as a steadfast reminder for the international sailing community of the UAE’s long maritime history of competitive racing, and its commitment to developing an outstanding sporting culture. In 2024, DOSC will host the SB20 World Championships, building on the success and reputation of the Aramex D2M.”
Teams of amateur and professional sailors are expected to participate in the Aramex D2M with a mix of keelboats and multihulls from 27 to 100 ft in length. The race is the region’s longest-running major offshore sailing event and provides a space where sailors can test advanced sailing equipment and technology in various situations, including ready-made and custom sails by North Sails. Additionally, several racers are using GPS systems by the Dubai-based company and Starlink partner Elcome for navigation whilst multiple teams will be sailing Beneteau yachts during the race. Luxury brand Montegrappa will also be providing prizes to sailors for various contests taking place during the event.
North Sails, Elcome, Montegrappa and Beneteau are also event co-sponsors alongside title sponsor Aramex, which last year managed complicated logistics for competing teams, including delivering a replacement rudder to a remote area in Oman. High-end watchmaker UlysseNardin is returning as the race’s Official Timekeeper.
Mike Rich, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Aramex, said: “As the title sponsor, the race is exhilarating and showcases elements we value as a brand, including building great teams, achieving goals at a rapid speed, and creativity in the face of adversity. We also welcome the chance to support competing teams as they navigate their way through a challenging racecourse, and we cannot wait to celebrate with the winners and all participants at the finish line.”
Organised by Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (“DOSC”) and the United Arab Emirates Sailing & Rowing Federation (“UAE SARF”) in association with the Oman Maritime Sports Committee, the Aramex D2M Offshore Sailing Race is recognised by the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) and the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). The event is sponsored by Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions committed to ensuring the safe and seamless movement of both boats and sailors during the event. Supporting sponsors include UlysseNardin, Montegrappa, Beneteau, North Sails and Elcome.
For more information on Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, visit the official website https://dubaitomuscatrace.com/.
