Can one cruise around Qatar?

[Zanshin]

I have just received a very interesting work offer to spend some time in Qatar. Apart from having to dry out, I was wondering what the sailing conditions are like there and if it might be possible to liveaboard there. I checked Noonsite and saw that information on Qatar was quite sparse, consisting solely of clearing-in instructions. This isn't a good sign, but a bit more checking on the internet showed no hits for marinas but some of the hotels do have marinas.

I was wondering if any here have visited/lived in or perhaps even sailed in Qatar and would be willing to part with some of their knowledge here.

Thanks!

[Robby Barlow]

Zanshin,

Here a couple of links to sailing in Qatar - hope they are useful.

Qatar Guest: Sailing in Doha

Doha Sailing Club

[Zanshin]

Thanks Robby, I had found the club but realized they don't have a marina yet still e-mailed them last night to see if they had recommendations. I have found that the Marriott has a biggish marina but when I tried to get connected to it from the front desk the line just went dead. I don't think I would enjoy a mooring w/out AC so it will have to be a marina. If it can be done then I would really enjoy that (since the employer will pick up the "housing" tab )

[Robby Barlow]

Hey Zanshin, from what I've heard there are good opportunities in the area, Bahrain & Qatar, for boat owners to up their income by 'delivering' goods to Iraq!
But then again, I hope that isn't the job you where offered.

[Zanshin]

I'd have to go for a catamaran in order to get sufficient cargo capacity and I won't do that. I can just imagine me doing the boating equivalent of a "L.A. slow speed chase" with me having the throttle full to the stop and screaming along at 8knots while some patrol boat has to put their gears in neutral every couple of seconds so that they don't pass me

But the term "security" is mentioned once or twice in the job description.

[Robby Barlow]

Maybe you can do a deal with SD, sounds like he's got a pretty fast Tri.

[Cruisingdad]

I have not heard of many issues reported there for piracy. Most seems in Sudan. That does not mean there is or is not a problem there. Seems like I remember it being serioulsy hot though. Ask Jerrylitton here. I would be shocked if he has not spent a bunch of time there... or at least could not give you some thoughts.

- CD