Al Gaffal all set to sail

Sailors participate in a training session on the eve of the Al Gaffal traditional dhow race near Sir Bu Nair Island on Friday.

It will be back to roots for thousands of Emiratis when they set sail and embark on their return journey from Sir Bu Nair Island as daylight breaks on Saturday morning.
The 27th edition of the Al Gafal traditional dhow race plays out on the morrow and it is an iconic race that celebrates Emirati pearl divers who helped Dubai become a vital and international trading port. The race is held ever year to honour these pearl divers and 60-ft dhows are used, the same kind of boats the pearl divers would have used back in the day.
It is an all-Emirati affair with all 12 crew members being locals for this 51.3 nautical mile race.
And interestingly, the route of this historic race, off the coast of Dubai, is based on the one these pearl divers would have taken on their return journey home. So, quite aptly, the Arabic words 'Al Gaffal' means 'The Return.'
Since its inception in 1991, the race has become ingrained into UAE's fabric and has grown bigger with each passing year. Fifty-three dhows had competed in the inaugural event and this year's edition will see 120 dhows.
Zilzal, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, is back for a title defence. Zilzal, skippered by Marwan Abdullah Mohd Al Marzouqi, will be aiming for a third title and second on the trot, having first won it in 2010.
But Zilzal and its 12-member crew will face stiff competition from Shermardal, which finished second last year. Shermardal is skippered by Sultan Saeed Hareb. Al Tef, which finished third last time out, is also back, with Khalifa Abed Thani Al Marri.
Zilzal is boat number 25, while Shermardal is boat number 15. Al Tef is boat number 9.
Sheikh Hamdan also has Al Qaffay, skippered by Obeid Saeed Al Tayer, Al Hadhay, captained by Saeed Mohammed Saeed Al Tayer, Al Zeer, skippered by Mohammed Rashid bin Shaheen Al Marri. Shaikh Hamdan also has Za'abeel, Emaar, Al Shaqi, Al Asifa, Ghazi and Al Farouq.
Fateh Al Khair, Abu Al Abiyadh and Falah is owned by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The prize purse for the event is a generous Dh10 million with the owner of the dhow taking home three luxury cars. But more than anything, it the Emirati generation, both past and present carrying the rich legacy on the high seas.
james@khaleejtimes.com