Third Edition of the 60FT Dhow Dalma Race

Third Edition of the 60FT Dhow Dalma Race October 17 - 26, 2019

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra region, the activities of the third edition of the Festival race kicks off the historical Dalma Sailing Race 60 feet category, which is organized by Abu Dhabi Sailing and yachts Club in cooperation with the Festivals and Cultural heritage Programs Committee management. It is one of the largest sports phenomenon in the traditional maritime during the period from 17 - 26/10/2019.

It’s a historical sailing race of 60 FT category 60 and the largest of its kind throughout history, from the both sides Number of participants and Trophies that are the most expensive in the history of traditional marine racing in the country and the region, where the Organizers ADSYC will provide 25 million dirhams as prize money to the owners of the centres In the final order of the participants, in addition to the increase in the number of vehicles to 5 will be presented to the first five places Participation More than 116 sailboats, with a total of nearly 3,000 sailors from across the UAE, are taking part in the race.

The race starts at 06:30 from the historic island of Dalma to the end point in Abu Dhabi, passing through seven different islands as : Sir bani yas island , Ghasha island , Om alkorkom island , Al Fatayer island , Al Bazem island , Then Morawah island, and finally Jannah island , before the last stop at Al Marfa Port.

The 60FT Dhow A legendary Arabic sport, the dhow sailing races are without a doubt the most spectacular and graceful.

In keeping with tradition, all dhows gather at the starting line and on the starter’s flare, hoist their sails almost instantaneously to illuminate the coastline in a blaze of white.

The dhows are all designed in exactly the same fashion as those used by the pearl diving vessels of yesteryear.

The boat’s hull or “Haikal” must be made of Al Saay wood and although competitors are allowed to varnish the dhow, painting the interior or exterior is strictly prohibited. It is also strictly against the rules to use fibreglass in the construction of the hull, although it can be used in strengthening the outer part of the mast called “Al Dukal”.

The huge sails are made from silk or nylon fabric and various colours are permitted, though few stray away from the traditional white.

In keeping with tradition, all dhows have to be equipped with four oars, but they must not be used during the race. Mother Nature provides the only assistance to the sailors in the unpredictable form of wind that either fills the sails, or leaves the boats stranded in calm seas.

All races cover a specified distance in nautical miles on a particular course chosen. These can alter depending on the weather conditions prevailing on the day of the race.