The Dubai Expat Diaries

2008 Maktoum Sailing Trophy hailed a success: New-format thrills spectators and competitors. The 2008 Maktoum Sailing Trophy, sponsored by Emirates Airline, has taken sailing to new heights in the UAE after a week of top class international action off the coast of Dubai. The five-day event attracted some of the world’s leading yachtsmen who competed in near-perfect sailing conditions in front of spectators, both on-shore and aboard other vessels.  

Markus Wieser and Sultan Hareb, winners Division 2 Team Westin, with Saeed Hareb and Ghaith Al Ghaith

The competition, which is now broadcast in over 100 countries, was held under the auspices of the Dubai International Marine Club in association with the UAE Marine Sports Federation and ISAF, the world governing body for sailing. With more than 30 teams coming from as far a field as Portugal and Australia, the Maktoum Sailing Trophy has helped establish Dubai as one of the leading offshore race venues.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: “Emirates has been delighted to ride the wave of the Maktoum Sailing Trophy for a second year, and once again it has been a great success. To see some of the world’s leading sailors in action in superb conditions off the coast of Dubai has been a fabulous spectacle and inspiring to watch. We hope Emirates’ backing for this event will help the winds of fortune blow through the sport locally and further establish Dubai as a centre for international sporting events.”

Taking place from 25-29th February, and culminating in a gala dinner and prize giving ceremony sponsored by AGMC BMW, the Maktoum Sailing Trophy took on a slightly different format this year, with even organizers upping the ante to ensure a professional and successful week of sailing.

The competition brought together a mixture of purpose-built yachts and racing cruisers, ranging in length from 29ft to 55ft, with a handicap system in place to balance out the competition in terms of hull and sail size.

The handicap system opened up the competition to a greater number of participants and led to an even more exciting series of races, as the various vessels tackled the unique course which followed the edge of The Palm, Jumeirah.

“It is Mina Seyahi Dubai’s plan to develop the Maktoum Sailing Trophy into a major attraction in a season of events highlighting Dubai’s status as a world class sailing venue. This week’s competition has exceeded our expectations and truly proves that Dubai is ready to take its place among the world’s greatest offshore racing destinations,” said Saeed Hareb, CEO, Mina Seyahi Dubai.

Racing conditions were near perfect, with winds touching 16 knots, as the yachts zipped over the waves off Jumeirah’s coastline.

Ichi Ban, Westin Mina Seyahi and Rush Knot were the three teams to claim victory of the seas. Ichi Ban took top spot in Division 1, Westin Mina Seyahi reclaimed its Division 2 title, while Rush Knot emerged triumphant in the Division 3 race series.

“The level of entrants was at an all time high, with world greats such as Toby O’Connell, Russell Coutts and Francis Carr battling it out against local talent from Youssef Bin Lahej, Kristian Tzanov and Mike Jelfs. This proves that the Emirates Maktoum Sailing Trophy is now seen as an important segment of an international calendar of sailing events,” said Sid Bensalah, Race Department Director, Mina Seyahi Dubai.

The Maktoum Sailing Trophy was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with sponsorship from Emirates Airline, AGMC BMW, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, The Westin Dubai and Marine Pool.

The event is followed by the Dubai RC44 Cup racing regatta, which takes place this week from March 3 to 7 at the Mina Seyahi Dubai.