Champion Skippers and Crew to Race in the 30th Edition of the “Aramex D2M”
Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race entry till, 31st January
Dubai – Asdaf News
The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (“DOSC”) is getting ready for the 30th running of the yearly Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race (“Aramex D2M”). The longest and toughest sailing race in the area has 25 registered boats as of this writing. The winning team from 2022, Twister, is taking part in this year’s competition and is back to defend their championship while attempting to make it three straight victories.
The yearly race, which begins on February 4th, 2023, is 360 nautical miles long and involves sailing through the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, the Straits of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, and finally the Sultanate of Oman’s capital city of Muscat, Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. Participants must sustain a strong and constant dedication to sailing over five days in difficult and occasionally dangerous circumstances.
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.
