Race Course
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This year we’re committed to chasing the wind.
At this time of year it blows from one of three directions and we’ve selected three courses accordingly.
The wind generally starts at around 1pm and is steady for the rest of the afternoon so the race will be started at about 3pm with the intention of having the race completed and all the paddlers off the water by 5pm. In the case of a direct onshore wind, the race will start 20km out to sea – skis will be transported by commercial barge and the paddlers on traditional Arabic Dhows for what will be a ‘mid-ocean party’ with barbeques, music - a celebration of the world’s richest ski race.
Safety
Safety will be paramount if we do go that far out to sea on the day. Rescue boats and helicopter cover will be provided and the race referee will have authority to order any paddler in danger off the water. In addition, all paddlers will have to pass through compulsory checkpoints and the “Fennspots” – the $1000 hotspots sponsored by Fenn Kayaks.
Should the northwester blow, the course will take the paddlers past some of Dubai’s iconic developments: The “World” (an astonishing set of man-made islands in the shape of the continents), the Burj Al Arab (Dubai’s 7-star hotel) and the “Palm” (the “Wonder of the World” development that is visible from space).
