Abu Dhabi: Delma Marine, a Qatari boat, dominated the third round of the UAE Xcat (Class III) Offshore Championship and won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in style. However, Lavida Lucka, an Italian boat, maintained its lead at the top of the standings.
Delma Marine, steered by Khalid Al Shamlan and Mohammad Al Nasr, overcame tough competition in the thrilling race contested by 22 boats. The boats went round Lulu Island, which faces the capital's corniche.
Fazza, steered by seasoned sailors Arif Al Zafein and Nader Bin Hindi, grabbed an early lead and led Lavida Lucka and Delma Marine.
However, the Qatari team edged both rivals in the fourth lap and maintained their lead till the end of the race. Fazza suffered engine trouble in the fifth lap.
Lavida Lucka came in second, while UAE boat, Delma Marine, finished third. In fourth place was the Abu Dhabi Racing Team which was steered by Ahmad and Rashid Al Hamly.
Lavid Lucka continued to lead the standings of the championship after three rounds with 470 points. It was followed by Qatar's Delma Marine with 390 and the UAE's Delma Marine with 120 points.
Attending the event were Saeed Hareb, chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation; Salem Al Rumaithi, director of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC); and Ahmad Ebrahim, supervisor of the race.
The fourth round will be held in Dubai next week.
