Dubai: The Standard Chartered Challenge Cup 2011 concluded on Saturday with second leg hosts Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) and arch-rivals Abu Dhabi Sailing Club (ADSC) reliving a rivalry during an exciting battle for the coveted championship, which was eventually won by DOSC.
Of the 38 races, DOSC emerged victorious in 35, and received the winner's trophy from Clive Haswell, Chief Information Officer, Standard Chartered Menap.
The celebrated inter-club event was revived this year following a 27-year break.
The first leg at the Abu Dhabi sailing club was won by Dubai, who hosted the just-concluded leg.
Huge crowd
Sailors competed for the entire day in a bid to win the Cup, and the event drew a large crowd of sailing enthusiasts who enjoyed the intense competition and were treated to a sumptuous outdoor barbecue.
"Sailing has always been part of the way of life here and we are pleased to relive the excitement and fun of this contest which is almost as old as the UAE itself.
"We would like to congratulate all the participants from Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and Abu Dhabi Sailing Club," said Jonathan Morris, CEO of Standard Chartered UAE.
The sailing challenge was inaugurated in 1973, two years after the UAE was founded, and was initially sponsored by Chartered Bank.
The inter-club competition, which was held twice a year until 1984 with the last one being won by the ADSC, was revived this year with a new name, the Standard Chartered Challenge Cup.