Dubai: Nearly 100 boats have confirmed for the opening heat of the Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship that will be held off the Mina Seyahi waters of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on Saturday.
After Thursday’s deadline for registration of dhows, the list had gone up to 98 including a host of past champions. The race organisers were expecting a few more additions taking place. The race will be flagged off at 1 pm and after the finish, the presentation of trophies will take place at the DIMC.
Former world powerboat champion Mohammad Al Merri, who was last week appointed as the new director for sports affairs at DIMC was pleased with the way the preparations have been going on for this weekend’s dhow sailing opener. “For us the main aspect to any type of racing is safety of the competitors and the allied staff who help during race organization. This year we have paid added attention to how we want to organise races with minimum damage to environment, and we are pleased with this as this will determine future standards for watersports,” Al Merri told Gulf News.
The race official said that all participants for Saturday’s race have been instructed to be present as a fleet off the Mina Seyahi waters by 11.30 am. “The wind predictions are good for Saturday and hopefully we will have a safe and exciting race,” he added.
The race course has been set between the World Islands and The Palm with the dhows starting off from the tip of The Palm and heading straight towards DIMC.
This year’s Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship will consist of three rounds. “Dhow sailing is part of the UAE heritage and we are proud to host such competitions that help us keep in touch with our heritage and culture,” Al Merri said.
