The third heat of the 22-feet Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing race will witness 45 dhows on a course starting at the Burj Al Arab and through to Jumeirah 4.
The race will start at 2pm today and is expected to see some keen competition during the hour-long stretch.
The last two heats saw tough competition between Azzam, Gazi, Mushref 2, Al Adeed and Bin Ablan Group. Tables turned in the second heat and Azzam and Heyaf took the victory post.
In the third heat, with more dhows participating, speculation is high that one of the top-10 boats is bound to emerge a winner.
It has been a smooth ride so far as the most feared Al Khayour turn buoy has not been utilised in the last two heats. However, with good winds and pleasant sea conditions, things may change and the Khayour may be adopted this time round thus making it a dreaded path and a true spectacle of skill, tact and experience of the crew put together.
In the current position, Azzam is in the lead with 32 points followed by Gazi at 22 and Al Adeed is third with 19. It remains to be seen who can garner the maximum points to stay ahead of the rest of the pack in this eight-race series. The course will be prepared by Saeed Hareb, managing director DIMC and an ardent promoter of marine sports in the UAE.
