Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) to Host the Second Consecutive Annual IRC Middle East Championships in Dubai
The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) is excited to announce its prestigious role as the host of the annual IRC Middle East Championships. This will be held on the weekend of the 16th and 17th of December, 2023.
IRC is the globally-recognised performance rating system which allows keelboats of all shapes and sizes to compete against each other at an equal level. It is used in many of the most prestigious yacht racing events around the world.
Following the success of the first ever IRC Middle East Championships, held in December 2022 and noted for its spirited competition and sportsmanship, the opportunity to host it again serves as a testament to DOSC’s commitment to nurturing a diverse range of sailing talents and promoting an inclusive atmosphere for sailing enthusiasts from various disciplines.
“Whilst the majority of participating boats this year are anticipated to originate from DOSC, we are hopeful that this event will begin to yield an increased regional presence in the IRC fold in the years to come,” stated Ed Shiffner, Rear Commodore at DOSC. “By elevating the stature of the IRC Middle East Championships and the IRC rating system, we are working to promote an equal and fair sporting environment where sailing enthusiasts from around the world not only feel welcome to join this friendly regatta, but also other racing events that DOSC hosts throughout the season. The IRC Middle East Championships is the cornerstone of creating a tradition of competitive keelboat sailing excellence in the UAE.”
The IRC Middle East Championships, together with the upcoming SB20 World Championships and the 31st edition of the annual Dubai to Muscat Race, demonstrate how Dubai is the centre of modern keelboat sailing within the Gulf region. DOSC plans to develop events such as these in future years to welcome more international sailors from around the world to the UAE’s shores.
As the December weekend draws near, DOSC extends a cordial invitation to sailing enthusiasts, supporters, and the community at large to witness and participate in the IRC Middle East Championships.
