Dubai: Over 40 teams have registered for a traditional rowing race, organised by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), which takes place on Friday.
Teams of 10 will compete in 30-foot long wooden boats similar to those used for fishing and pearl diving.
Given the interest this form of racing has attracted, organisers this year have decided to split the competitors in two groups where the top teams will be clubbed in one group while the other will comprise of teams with less advanced rowing skills.
Ali Bin Ghulaitha, the acting CEO of DIMC, said: “The heavy boats take a lot of strength to get going off the start line and then a lot of endurance is needed to complete the course.
“If there is a strong current or crosswind it can be a really tough 20 minutes or so of sheer exertion. It is a great sport for fitness and good competition...which is an important part of the students’ education.”
This is the first of four rounds of the championship and trophies will awarded to winners, including prize money as an added incentive.
The course is set from inside the Palm Jumeirah to finish in the lagoon at DIMC.
The race starts at 4.30pm on Friday.
