Thrilling Action at the IRC Middle East Championship in Dubai
On the weekend of December 13-14, 2025, the IRC Middle East Championship unfolded with intense competition and unpredictable sailing conditions. This annual event, organized by the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), showcased a remarkable gathering of talent, featuring over 300 sailors competing in 85 different boats. The fleet comprised 40 keelboats and multihulls, five SB20 sportsboats, and 40 dinghies, making it the most attended championship to date.
Race Director Ard Van Aanholt commented on the event’s excitement, noting, “The IRC Middle East Championship is a highlight of our sailing calendar. This year, the thrill was amplified by the simultaneous XCAT Powerboating World Championship, bringing an extra layer of excitement to the race area.” Competitors faced a series of challenges, including shifting winds and strong swells, particularly on Sunday, yet they navigated the conditions with remarkable resilience.
Champions of the IRC
As the competition showcased strong participation, the IRC divisions produced thrilling outcomes. Chavdar Aleksandrov, the owner of the Landmark 43, entered with high hopes and emerged victorious in the IRC 1 division for the fourth consecutive year, claiming the overall title of the IRC Middle East Championships. “Being part of the IRC Middle East Championships is always gratifying. I’m proud of my crew for our performance and feel responsible to continue our success,” he expressed, highlighting the fierce competition and varied sailing conditions.
Finishing in second place in IRC 1 was the team aboard Clair de Lune Jr, skippered by Gaetan Herve, who held a narrow five-point lead over David Blackwell’s Matrix in third place.
IRC 2 and Beyond
In IRC 2, the competition was spirited. Mark Nolan’s Bluey took an early lead, but it was Vac Hanemaaijer and his team on Kanaloa who ultimately secured the division win. “After a slightly rocky start, we rallied and managed to finish just seconds ahead of Bluey on corrected time in the final races,” Hanemaaijer remarked. “It feels incredible to reclaim the IRC Division 2 title after our initial win back in the first year.” Bluey finished behind in the second spot, while Chris Record’s Rush Knot secured third place.
Dominance in IRC 3
The IRC 3 division included three short-course races alongside one long-distance coastal race. Demos Stogiannidis helmed Jolly Jumper to a decisive victory in the long-distance event, achieving a 45-minute lead on corrected time. However, Sabien Rietjens and her JustUs team showed remarkable consistency, securing the overall division title through a combination of wins and a second-place finish in the coastal race. Richard Rietjens, Sabien’s husband, commented on the intense conditions, noting, “We had to dig deep as conditions turned difficult with low winds and strong currents much to the challenge of our final race.”
Highlights and Community Spirit
In the Cruiser Division, Ed Shiffner skillfully navigated Al Awal to victory, finishing ahead of Wanderlust, co-owned by Jon Woodrow and Colin Campbell. Shiffner, who serves as Rear Commodore at DOSC, expressed contentment with the event’s turnout, emphasizing the championship’s importance in elevating competitive sailing standards throughout the Middle East.
Darren Sheppard, DOSC’s Deputy General Manager, praised the sailing talent displayed across the three divisions: “The event highlighted exceptional skill and camaraderie among the sailors. Our social program was just as vibrant, thanks to REVO Sunglasses, which provided impressive prizes for our competitors.” He also mentioned the lively evenings filled with entertainment, including performances by local bands, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Looking ahead, next year promises to be even more exciting, with a growing interest from teams across the region. The upcoming highlight of the winter season will be the Dubai to Muscat Race, a challenging 360-mile journey, set to kick off on January 31, 2026.
