Al Qaffay wins close battle

Experience Al Qaffay, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, won the second round of the 2003 UAE 60-foot dhow race held at the Mina Seyahi yesterday.

The race, held in treacherous sea condition with waves going well above five feet, saw the Obaied Saeed Al Tayer-captained dhow in supreme command right from the start.

Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi-skippered Atlas, despite running with a broken mast, gave Al Qaffay a tough challenge all along. But at the end of the 10-nautical mile endeavour, Dubai dhow Atlas, owned by Faraj bin Buti Al Muhairibi, had to settle for the runner-up spot. Ghazi, led by Ahmed Saeed Al Rumaithi, came in third.

Round one winner's Al Zeer made a valiant effort to finish seventh and thereby earn some valuable points to increase their chances of the overall title.

The Mohammed Rashid bin Shaheen-led Al Zeer increased their overall lead to 471 points, while yesterday's winner Al Qaffay is lying second with 430pts. Despite not gaining a credible place in this race, Al Raeed is third with 322pts.

Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, Dubai International Marine Club, said: "We were really concerned about the sea condition today. Though 15-knots wind was suitable, in general it was not enough to keep the 60-ft dhow moving in good pace."

"But at the end it turned out to be a fair race with some experienced crews taking top honours. And more importantly only a few dropped out and that too was either because of a broken mast or sail."

Hareb echoed the fact that the race would have been even tougher, if not for the broken mast for second-placed Atlas. "These guys are one of the best in traditional watersport here in UAE. They would have certainly given Al Qaffay more fight if they didn't have any damage," explained Hareb.

Tawash with Rashid Mani'e Al Rumaithi and crew came fourth while Al Jumeirah skippered by Yousef Abdullah Salem Al Adidi finished fifth.

The race was also important for everyone involved, as it gave them a last chance to understand what more to be done on their dhows before the Sir Bu Na'air race, the final of the series slated for May 29.

Top results: 1. Al Qaffay, 2. Atlas, 3. Gjazi, 4. Tawash, 5. Jumeirah, 6. Lutham, 7. Al Zeer, 8. Barraq, 9. Kahhal, 10. Dahees.