Dubai: Al Zeer will start as the favourite going into the third and final heat of the Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championships off the Mina Seyahi waters at Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) tomorrow.
When entries closed yesterday, a record 90 boats had confirmed for the third and final heat of this championships.
And everyone will be out to get the better of current leader Al Zeer, skippered by Mohammad Rashid Bin Shaheen who is at the top of the standings after winning both the heats held in December and last month.
However, Muqasas — skippered by Khalid Mohammad Al Rumaithi — who clinched the second place in last month's race following a third spot in the opening heat to collect five points, will be eager to keep the pressure on the leader.
And further down in third is former champion Burraq, under the stewardship of Rashid Mohammad Rashid Al Rumaithi with 13 points after third position in the second race and a disappointing tenth in the opener. The third heat of this championship was scheduled to be held last Saturday.
But with strong winds and rough seas hitting the UAE, the race committee took the decision to postpone this heat by a week.
"The conditions for this weekend look just right for some ideal sailing, so we are expecting some fierce challenge for the top spot against the leader Al Zeer," said Marwan Al Tayer, Member, DIMC Sports Committee for Dhow Sailing.
