Al Gaffal Long Distance Race 60ft Traditional Dhows

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The history behind 'Al Gaffal' - 'The Return' - the long distance traditional 60ft sailing dhow race, the last race in the watersports season at Dubai International Marine Club

The Al Gaffal race was created because His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other leading officials of Dubai's ruling family became increasingly concerned that the once active traditional dhow was being left to die out. It was no longer needed for the pearl trade and His Highness was worried that a huge part of the local history would be lost along with the dhow. In an attempt to bring life back in to the fleet of traditional boats His Highness commissioned a race which was to become one of the most important turning points in the history of the Traditional Dhow in the Gulf Region. The race, which was designed to commemorate the pearl divers who were integral to the early trading port of Dubai, started at the small uninhabited island of Sur Bu Na'air, 50 nautical miles west of the UAE. It was the island where the pearl fleets used to stop on their long journey home after months at sea looking for pearls. The crews were made up of free divers and sailors who had their own seafaring culture and language; words for different types of weather conditions, sails and parts of the boat and songs about journeys and chants to get them through grueling times. It was a fascinating era and His Highness was determined not to lose this significant piece of the UAE's history.

The first race was on May 23rd 1991 and was organized by the military and Dubai International Marine Club, there were fifty three dhows in the competition and they were a mixture of 43ft and 60ft boats in various states of repair and not necessarily equipped for the long distance required of them. But the race marked a new period for the traditional dhow and a firm place in the annual watersports calendar and images of the traditional dhow are now synonymous with not only the culture of Dubai but also have a place in Dubai's present and future.

The dhows today are pristine with beautifully polished hulls and crisp sails but still retain the traditions of the past with strict rules in place to maintain the heritage. They have an active program in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah which His Highness has good reason to be proud of and there are now  three classes or sizes of the traditional dhow, 22ft, 43ft and 60ft. The language, songs and chants of the sea have been rescued and are passed on to the many young sailors who are keen to join their fathers and grandfathers to relive the tales and compete in the races.

Al Gaffal will be held on May 26th 2012, it will start at Sur Bu Na'air Island at 7am and finish at Mina Seyahi.