Dubai to Muscat race details announced

Dubai: The annual Dubai to Muscat Sailing Race will take place from March 8-13, it was announced on Tuesday.

Over 25 yachts and 150 sailors are expected to take part in the 580-km race from Dubai Offshore Sailing Club to Marina Bandar Al Rowdha in Muscat.

The event is organised by the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation in association with Oman’s Ministry of Sports Affairs and recognised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

A new March date allows the race to become part of the Asian Keelboat Championship, which will eventually see the event attract even more entrants from across Asia.

The introduction of a double-handed class also means yachts can operate with just two sailors onboard as opposed to the usual six to 10, should they prefer the challenge. For the first time, sailing enthusiasts who can’t take part can enter an online game via http://virtualregatta.com/en, which replicates the same course and conditions.

All boats will also have GPS trackers on board, which will enable sailors to log on to http://dubaitomuscatrace.com/race-tracker/ to track real-time action.