Thuraya Telecoms and Xtra-Link to Co-Sponsor 25th Silver Anniversary Dubai to Muscat Yacht Race

Race starts at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club on 7 November and ends in Muscat, Oman; reinforces Thuraya’s corporate responsibility programme of support for education

Leading Mobile Satellite Services operator, Thuraya Telecommunications Company and its long-standing service partner, Xtra-Link, will join forces to co-sponsor the 25th Silver Anniversary Yacht Race from Dubai to Muscat in November.

Confirmation of the dates of the race were announced at a press conference held by the United Arab Emirates Sailing & Rowing Federation in association with Oman’s Ministry of Sports Affairs, at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. The race is officially recognized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).

The prestigious event, which is increasingly becoming a firm favorite with sailors from across the globe, will be adjudicated by independent judges from RORC.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, children in schools across Dubai will be engaged in a maritime adventure of their own. Special lessons and demonstrations are being created on how to navigate a boat and a chart, the use of satellite technology, and the importance of safety equipment onboard yachts. Thuraya will share its expertise on these and other topics with children across Dubai.

Keith Murray, Thuraya Product Manager, Maritime, said: “We are proud to co-sponsor a race that has been running for 25 years and which does Dubai proud. This is a great chance to show children technology in action, linking theory and curriculum with real life here in the UAE. From a corporate responsibility perspective, too, it is good to be able to contribute towards imaginative educational platforms.”

As well as helping to create and lead elements of the education project, Thuraya and Xtra-Link voice and data equipment and 30 XT-PRO phones will be used as tracking units for crews taking part in the race. 

Hans Kuijt, CEO, Xtra-Link, said: “This will be the eleventh year that I have sailed in the Dubai to Muscat yacht race. It is great to see my friends in the sailing world using Thuraya equipment to stay connected during such a challenging and exciting race.”

Tracking units are essential kit, allowing those back on land to track boats in real time, improving crew safety and permitting spectators to follow the race remotely. 

Five Thuraya Maritime Atlas IP terminals will be supplied to allow broadband connection to be established by the vessels. Weather reports can be downloaded and sailors will also be able to upload posts onto social media, ensuring a more interactive race for sailors, spectators and schools.

The Thuraya Atlas IP terminals and XT-PRO handsets provide robust, versatile and cost-effective communications in the harsh maritime environment. Providing vital communication giving peace of mind in case anything does go wrong. 

Murray said: “Thuraya has built a maritime portfolio to match the needs and requirements of those working in maritime markets. Our range of robust and reliable voice and data products and services continue to keep crew and vessels connected at sea.”