Tough test for rowers in bad seas

Dubai: 1 Wadi Al Siji, skippered by Ebrahim Ali Mohammad, triumphed despite strong winds.

The inclement weather forced organisers at the Dubai International Marine Club to move the final rowing race of the season, the Maktoum Cup, inside the shelter of the Palm Island crescent.

Second placed boat, Dubai, which was skippered by Ahmad Mohammad E. Al Mar'ei followed closely and Mashour, skippered by Ebrahim Ahmad Mohammad Al Mar'ei came third.Strong winds and choppy seas were a tough test of the strength and staying power of the crews from the top rowing teams in the UAE. It was a close-run finish and took every ounce of effort from all team members to keep going on the final stretch, to complete the 3.5 kilometre race and cross the finish line in front of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi.

Last years overall winner Galeb could only manage sixteenth place in the prevailing conditions. Overall season provisional results put Manshour in top place and Al Qadri Group, skippered by Younes Habib Abdullah in second overall place.

Results

Provisional, Maktoum Cup: Place, Owner, Skipper

1st. Wadi Al Siji, Shaikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin M. Al Sharqi, Ebrahim Ali Mohammad

2nd. Dubai, Ahmad Mohammad Ebrahim Al Mar'ei,

3rd. Mashour, Ahmad Mohammad Ebrahim Al Mar'ei, Ebrahim Ahmad Mohammad Al Mar'ei.