BOOMS Booms are the larger dhows. Booms can carry loads of 200-500 tons and are the principal ocean-going cargo and passenger vessel. Booms are now equipped with diesel engines and do not rely on their sails as much as they use to. Even with these, they still do not handle the large bulky, long distances business, but tend to operate and transport goods up and down the Gulf.

SAMBUCK Sambuck dhows are smaller than booms. Sambuck dhows carry loads of 60-80 tons and the smaller shu’i, are used for general cargo and passenger work. They follow the coastline to the southern shore of Arabia before crossing to the east Africa.

DHOW RACING Dhow racing started in the 1980’s. There are 3 sizes. The biggest is 20 meters long. They have shallow hulls which let the dhow move faster through the water. A large race happens each year. The race is called Al Qaffal which means ‘The Trip Home’. Over 100 dhows sail in the race and it gives the appearance of a lake of swans across the ocean.

LIFE ON A DHOW There is no room below deck for the crew to live. The hull is full of cargo. The crew sleeps where they can on the deck. Boats or dhows have a crew of 18-20 men. Though a dhow lacks modern living comforts; they are equipped with the latest navigation system using satellites to help give them their position.

The Nakhuda and His Crew The Nakhuda is the master of the vessel. He oversees the work of the crew as they load and unload the cargo and maintain the dhow in good condition. The Nakhuda may buy and sell cargo for the owner. The Nakhuda may also be a part-owner of the vessel. The crew does not sleep in a cabin on the deck like the Nakhuda.