Dubai sunset cruise

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A wander around Dubai Marina is enough to bring on a serious case of lifestyle envy. Oh to spend the weekends frolicking on our own yacht. And seeing as we’re not ones to sit back and sigh at the unfairness of it all, we figured we’d find a way to go forth and frolic. Only it won’t be our yacht, it’ll be Dusail’s – but we’re more than happy to let cruise company co-founder Ron take the helm as we relax and enjoy a few drinks and snacks (well, if we’re going to live the high life, we figure we may as well do it properly).

For one day, at least, we’re free to take to the seas on Andorra, Dusail’s gorgeous 50ft sailing boat. Settling into the cushioned area, we chat to Ron, who runs Dusail with his partner, Debbie. This jolly chap sailed to Dubai from England 12 years ago and since then, from the helm of various boats, he has witnessed the transformation of Dubai’s cityscape. Out on the water he gives a chatty tour-guide commentary, pointing out various hotels and sharing all sorts of facts and figures.

Cruising smoothly and peacefully at a steady pace, the boat sails towards Jebel Ali then back up towards Atlantis at the end of the Palm Jumeirah, with the Burj Al Arab making a quick appearance. Even after seeing these sights so many times, you can’t beat the unique view from the water.

As the sun goes down (we don’t actually see it set, we should note, because the ‘sunset’ cruise ends at 5.30pm), we perch on the seat right at the bow of the boat, legs dangling as the water rushes past. Who needs to own a yacht with mooring fees, petrol costs and maintenance? A trip with Dusail every now and again will do nicely, thank you.

Dhs255 per person. Call 04 398 9146 / 050 551 7280 or visit www.dusail.com. Two-hour cruises depart from Dubai International Marine Club at 10.30am (morning cruise); and 3.30pm (sunset cruise). Andorra carries up to 15 passengers