Dubai: More than 80 boats have confirmed for the first round of the 43ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Championship — the opening of the watersports season that opens at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) this Saturday.
The popularity of this class has grown steadily since the early 1990s and has gone from being driven mostly by the older generation to becoming a passion for younger emirati sailors.
The start of the race will be at 2pm with a course between the World Islands and Jebel Ali Port and the finish line ultimately placed according to the wind speed.
Mohammad Al Majid Al Room, who is just back from winning the Class One Powerboat European Championship in Italy, will be competing with Atlas along with skipper Faraj Bin Butti Al Muhairbi, who was placed third overall in the 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship last year.
Looking for a winning start will be defending champion Rashid Mohammad Rashid Al Rumaithi on board Barraq.
Final heat
There will be four rounds in total this season with the final heat being slated for March 20.
"We have around 40 events planned at the DIMC this season. We have paid adequate attention in ensuring that the races here are a mixture of modern, traditional, national and international events.
"We want to exhibit Dubai to the world through watersports," stated Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, DIMC.