23 Nov 2011

by Sport 360

The Dubai International Marine Club is the perfect place for beach and boat lovers.

When you think of Dubai’s Mina Seyahi area, which translates as ‘Port of Travellers’, you think of two things: Le Meridien’s Barasti Bar and on the other side of the fence, one of Dubai’s oldest and most respected clubs, The Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).

We’ve visited DIMC many times before to witness and experience a wide range of fantastic boating events, from the grit and glamour of the Louis Vuitton Trophy to the stunning, and traditionally and historically significant, Al Gaffal Dhow Race.

And now that the season’s kicked off again, boating and water sports enthusiasts will be lining the pristine shores for exciting races, such as the hugely anticipated UIM Class 1 Grand Prix next month, and the more traditional rowing race on Friday; just two of over 20 events the rest of the season that also include wooden and XCat powerboat, dhow, and jet-ski racing.

The DIMC has for years provided a safe, secure and exclusive home for local and expat boat owners with its 300-capacity electricity and water-equipped berthing area on the marina.

It’s now completely full, and as a result, more berths are on the way for super-yachts. They also have craning facilities, a slipway, re-fuelling services, an on-site workshop, and a large helipad for when helicopters are needed for media and special events.

Sometimes the helipad even becomes the site of big functions, such as the Air Show Gala Dinner and the annual Dubai Boat Show, or doubles as further parking for large scale events.

Right now, though, the main focus is about opening up to the public, as well as attracting more members to the Water Sports Club at the very end of the property.

Plans are under way to add renewed energy to the Water Sports Club, which at the moment has a very lazily-relaxed feel about it with a pool, a chilled barasti-type beach bar (now licenced) and beach-side seating.

Members have access to Lasers, Optimists, Catamarans, surf skis and Olympic rowing, plus they often take part in weekly races.

But the club wants to expand to include school programmes, ladies’ training, a Cadet Club for kids who want to further their sailing experience, and other sports such as the hugely hip Stand Up Paddling.

“This is the sort of place that people come down and spend their weekends at, meet with their friends and relax.

"They’ll take their boats out for races, and spend ages cleaning and tuning them up, or do early morning rowing. Plans are to eventually have a proper club house with a cafeteria, fitness facility and classrooms for the sailing school,” said a representative.

Meanwhile, the Sports Committee Chairman, Huraiz Bin Huraiz, has been reorganising the main racing at the club, targeting efficiency and consistency as his model to increase the popularity of water sports in the region.

Back over by the marina, a cafeteria caters to boat crew and staff, while visitors and members looking for food can hop aboard a dhow at the end of the pier for the freshest seafood at the Aprons and Hammers.

How can you forget the culinary experience of wearing aprons and smashing away at shell to get to fresh crab meat, while enjoying breathtaking views of the bay.

Another exciting development?  Contracts have already been signed to convert the existing club house into a restaurant and lounge with a pool out front.

And meanwhile, next to it, the attractive and airy two-storey Mina Seyahi Hall is open for member and non-member hire for all sorts of formal and informal public and private events.

We can’t say we’re not excited to see how it shapes up!

VENUE:  Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi

CAPACITY: The marina has 300 berths, while the Water Sports Club currently holds about 100 boats, but both are set to expand.

FACILITIES: 300-berth marina, events hall, Water Sports Club, and more on the way, including a restaurant and lounge, more berths and enhanced Water Sports Club facilities. There are also craning facilities, a slipway, re-fuelling services, a helipad and a workshop.

WHAT’S GOOD: There is a huge emphasis on re-introducing and keeping alive local boat sports. Facilities and customer service for members and boat owners are commendable. DIMC’s got a prime location too.

Sport360° VERDICT:  Rating out of five: 5

CONTACT: www.dimc.ae; 04 399 5777