A record 33 boats will set sail this Saturday, 31 January, in the 33rd edition of the Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race. Starting from the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), the 360 nautical mile course stretches through the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman before finishing at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha in Muscat.
“It’s the longest offshore challenge in the region, and we’re pushing to make this a bucket-list event,” said Race Director David Worrall.
This year’s race includes a diverse mix of high-performance keelboats, doublehanded entries, and multihulls, reflecting the Gulf’s expanding offshore sailing scene. Navigators face a tough tactical challenge. The route includes narrow channels and shipping lanes near the Strait of Hormuz, with strong currents and shifting winds adding complexity.
“The draw is simple: it’s a proper offshore test,” said Hamad Al Mutawaa of yacht El Seraya. “You have to earn every mile.”
The race is backed by title sponsor Aramex, whose logistics support underpins the cross-border movement of boats and crews between the UAE and Oman.
“This race captures the ambition and performance that define Aramex,” said Daniel Nuss, the company’s Global Marketing Director.
Among the notable entries is Twister, sailed doublehanded by Sian Rowlands and Matt Britton. “It’s not just a speed run,” Rowlands explained. “The crews who succeed are the ones making smart decisions when everyone else is running on empty.”
The current race record—1 day, 19 hours, 52 minutes, and 41 seconds—was set in 2014 by Diablo. Whether this year’s forecast offers the wind conditions to challenge it remains to be seen.
The event is organised by the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation and DOSC, in association with the Oman Maritime Sports Committee.
Race tracking and updates are available at www.dubaitomuscatrace.com or via @doscuae on Instagram.
