Dubai: Fair weather has been predicted for the 23rd edition of the Al Gaffal 60ft dhow sailing race from Sir Bu Na’air Island to Dubai this weekend.
The annual race, which is promoted as the biggest traditional sailing race in the world, is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
Some 102 dhows have confirmed participation for Saturday’s race.
“We have been puttng the final touches to the preparations for the departure of the advance crew to the island early on Thursday,” Ali Bin Gulaitha, acting CEO of organisers Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), told Gulf News.
“Weather conditions will not be all that great on Friday, but it [the forecast] is much better on Saturday. We can expect some great sailing due to the favourable weather conditions that have been predicted. But we are keeping a close watch on the weather forecasts to see if there will be any changes,” he said.
The idea of the Al Gaffal race was first mooted by Shaikh Hamdan back in 1991 in an attempt to preserve the heritage and cultural identity of traditional sailing in the UAE.
Saturday’s race, which is only open to UAE nationals, is scheduled to start at 5.45am, with the first of the dhows, depending on winds, expected to cover the 54-km route and cross the finish line near the Burj Al Arab by midday at the latest.
The DIMC has been urging families to attend the on-shore events, including stalls and activities related to the UAE’s sea-faring heritage. “Our idea is to engage resident communities here so that they can be part of an event that is one of our main activities during the year. In particular, it would be great to have youngsters attending the on-shore festival at the DIMC,” Bin Gulaitha said.
Sir Bu Na’air island was used by traditional fishermen and pearl divers from the UAE as a landing spot to clean up ahead of their journey back home for the summer break — a journey the Al Gaffal race replicates.
