Dubai Masaader News
The entry deadline is Tuesday, 31st January 2023 for one of the region’s most challenging sailing races.
Preparations for the 30thedition 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 success has been achieved with the assistance of our two local partners, Al Seer Marine and P&O Marinas. Having been involved with the race for 18 years, this year 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 Ulysse Nardin 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 Ulysse Nardin, Montegrappa, Beneteau, North Sails and Elcome.
For more information on Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, visit the official website https://dubaitomuscatrace.com/.
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About Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC)
Established in 1974, Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) is a welcoming and inclusive non-profit sailing club that promotes the safe practice of the sport of sailing and supports other competitive non-motorised watersports. The Club prides itself on its engaged and active membership that upholds the values of the sport of sailing and its positive impact on society in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to its excellent facilities that include a 152-berth marina and a Clubhouse with a licensed restaurant, DOSC is known for its calendar of racing events, from fun and friendly regattas to shore, coastal and offshore races, and cruising rallies for keelboats in UAE waters. The Club also operates an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sailing school offering internationally recognised RYA qualifications. www.dosc.ae.
About Aramex:
Since its foundation in 1982, Aramex has grown to become a global leader in the logistics and transportation industry, recognized for its customized and innovative services for businesses and consumers. Listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and headquartered in the UAE, Aramex’s location bridges the path between East and West, enabling its reach to more customers with the provision of effective logistics solutions worldwide.
Aramex currently has business operations in 600+ cities across more than 60 countries worldwide and employs over 16,000 professionals.
The Company has two core businesses:
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2. Logistics & Freight Forwarding: it includes air freight, sea freight, land freight, and warehousing and distribution solutions. It serves a B2B customer base across multiple verticals including industrials, healthcare & pharmaceutical, aerospace, retail & fashion, amongst others.
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