Fourteen boats have now finished the 33rd Aramex Dubai to Muscat Race. Seven more arrivals reached Muscat on Wednesday.
As Afloat reported earlier, Irish‑skippered Nagini looks poised to secure back‑to‑back overall honours on IRC corrected time. The Farr 30 finished fifth on the water, five hours after the leader, but organisers have yet to officially confirm the result.
Sandpiper and Nagini fought a close tactical duel along the Omani coast. Despite a seven‑hour elapsed gap, handicap calculations mean Sandpiper still had a chance. Fading breeze late in the approach cost crucial minutes and left them second overall.
Organisers will confirm official winners once the remaining fleet has finished.
Crews described testing but varied conditions from the Arabian Gulf. Layla 22 skipper Abdallah Elkharboutly said the race delivered everything from light airs to strong winds, wildlife encounters and traffic.
Seven‑time competitor Jason Freeborn enjoyed the warm climate aboard Dragonfly 32, preferring heat to cold offshore conditions.
Father and son Julian and William Berney reached Muscat 10th on IRC with Acalli, marking their first long offshore race together in 20 years. Julian spoke of strong winds, waves and moonlit dolphins.
Not all fortunes were positive. Tan 3, first to Muscat, was later disqualified by race officials. Notorious I has already turned back towards Dubai.
Latest arrival into Muscat was Water Fairy, finishing 14th on Wednesday afternoon. Three boats – Wanderlust, Spirit and Longreach – retired earlier. Seven remain racing.
Overnight calms gave way to 12–15‑knot winds in the afternoon. Lighter winds are forecast overnight and could slow the final finishers.
The Aramex Dubai to Muscat Race is a 360‑mile offshore test from Dubai Offshore Sailing Club to Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, organised with the UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation and Oman Maritime Sports Committee
