Dubai: An outstanding performance by skipper Al Hur Rashid Al Muhairi aboard Dahees ensured victory for his team in the first heat of Dubai Traditional 22ft Dhow Sailing Championship ahead of a tough fleet.
The race, held off Mina Seyahi, delighted beachgoers who witnessed the spectacular arrival of the dhows finishing close to the shore.
Al Wasf, helmed by Mohammad Hamad Al Ghashaih, took second place and Yousuf Mohammad Ahmad Al Hamadi on Mura'ab took third.
Dahees lived up to its name "steamroller" after getting a superb start, taking Al Muhairi away from the crowd in to clear air.
"This win at the beginning of the season is really heartening, I didn't win any of the races last season, so this is great," said the happy skipper.
The 22ft dhow is used to train and introduce youngsters to sailing. Although the design of the boat remains traditional, many sailors have opted to purchase sails from modern sail makers in Europe taht follow guidelines of the UAE Marine Sports Federation. "We have taken the approach to develop a training boat based on our traditions and we are pleased with the results," said Saeed Harib. "Some of these sailors will go on to race the 43ft or 60ft dhows and some will go on to race on our Sea Dubai branded RC44 and race internationally in the RC44 Championship Tour," he added.
