What we generally call a dhow is actually a generic name for many different types of sailing vessels once common in the waters of the Arabian Gulf.
They include the smaller jelbut and sambuq – often used by pearl divers – to the huge ocean-going baghlah.
Many of the dhows used today are of the boom variety, traditionally rigged with twin masts and lateen sails, but these days powered by engines. The boom largely replaced the baghlah, being faster and more manoeuvrable.
The vessel in this photograph is probably a sambuq, and sailed out of Dubai in the early 1970s. It was photographed by Alain Saint-Hilaire, who joined the ship as it made its way along the coast in January 1973.
This was the beginning of the end for the age of sail and even in this seemingly traditional image, the 20th century has made its mark, with a steel mast and Thermos flasks filled with hot coffee for the crew.
* James Langton
