Atlas takes crown, Dalma Marine settles for second

In a loud fury of roaring engines and water spray, 25 of the 27 registered entrants for the wooden powerboat race took to the waters off Mina Seyahi to compete in the third heat of the Dubai Wooden Powerboat race organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, today.

The cigar shaped course stretched 40.74 NM from Mina Seyahi to Sheraton Jumeirah and comprised a start lap of 5.22 NM in addition to 7 race laps of 4.41 NM each including a mandatory long lap of 4.65 NM. Weather conditions were good. A spectacular view of boats raised at the bow made for thrilling action and excitement as spectators watched from the beaches stretching from the Royal Mirage to Sheraton Jumeirah.

It was a glorious day for Atlas 1, Dalma Marine and Al Jazeera Club. Throughout the race Atlas 1 dominated to be followed closely by Al Jazeera and then by Dalma Marine. By the third lap Al Jazeera fell back only to be overtaken and stay in position through till the finish in second place. Al Jazeera had to concede to third place. Abu Dhabi Racing Team stayed in fourth from the start till finish. Al Fajer Marine who started at seventh in the start braced itself to finish at fifth.

Tough competition was rife between Atlas 1, driven by Mohamad Majid al Room and partner Marwan Suhail Al Ayali. The duo have shown tremendous consistency through the season. Followed closely on their heels was Ahmed Suhail Khalfan and partner Salem Fadel Al Hamli in Dalma Marine. At the start two baots were in a hurry to push the pedal and jump started causing them 60 seconds addition to their lap timing.

Marwan Ayali described the race saying, "We have been doing trial runs since the past few days and thanks to Mohammed Al Room for his technical assistance on the boat that we were able to get to the podium. Thanks also Saeed Hareb for giving us the opportunity to participate in these events".

No sooner was the green flag raised all 25 boats powered up and stepped on the gas so to say. There was stiff competition and this was evident, as the race progressed. Each vying for the first place and wanting to out beat the other by using all the tactics and skills they had.

Race Points for the third heat:

1. Atlas 1, 200;

2. Dalma Marine, 150;

3. Al Jazeera Club, 130;

4. Abu Dhabi Racing Team 1, 120;

5. Al Fajer Marine 1, 110;

6. Atlas 2, 100;

7. Al Haj Group 1, 90;

8. Dalma Marine 1, 80;

9. Al Wasif, 70;

10. Al Malek, 60.

Ends