Dubai: A top official from the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) expects a testing day of competition during the one-off Dubai Sailing Cup Traditional 22ft Dhow Sailing Race to be held at the Mina Seyahi tomorrow.
"This race is like a teaser for the participants for the Al Gaffal Sir Bu Naair race to be held at the end of the month. As the organisers, we want to test some new equipment to make the race safer, while the sailors are eager to implement a few strategies of their own," Sid Bensalah, DIMC Sports Director told Gulf News.
The 22ft race — the last one to be held before the Al Gaffal race between the Sir Bu Naair and DIMC on May 26 — has attracted a field of 78 traditional dhows that will vie for the Dubai Sailing Cup.
Unpredictable weather
The mandatory meeting for skippers was held at the DIMC late yesterday and organisers were keeping their fingers crossed before deciding on the course due to unpredictable weather conditions during this time of the year.
One of the courses will be laid inside the Palm Island development, while the second will be more open in the vicinity of the Burj Al Arab.
"A decision on the course will be taken once the weather conditions are clearer regarding the strong north-westerly winds that are expected on Saturday," Bensalah said.
"A majority of the sailors involved with the Dubai Sailing Cup will be involved in the Al Gaffal race and Saturday's competition will be the most suitable to sharpen their strategies for the season-ending race."
