Dubai: Overall honours in Division One of the epi International Open Series held at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) last week went to epi Mattafix.

The event, the fourth of the series, attracted more than 35 high-performance yachts from all over the UAE, including an Olympic gold medallist.

The regatta saw over 250 skippers and crew compete in brisk 13-knot winds with epi Mattafix leading the way.

The Division Two winner was Mace, while Division Three was won by Tosser and the SB3 Class was claimed by Menonpause. A large dinghy fleet of 65 boats also enjoyed this combined regatta day as part of the epi International Series.

Sporting celebrity and Olympic sailing gold medalist Nathan Wilmot added excitement to the day.

He offered advice to youngsters as well as supporting epi International's own entry to Division One, epi Mattafix.

Wilmot won the gold in the 470 dinghy class at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The sailor also has the distinction of winning five world championships and every major 470 regatta around the world.

The DOSC event is an open competition attracting sailors from across the region with yachts and dinghies competing in a total 20 races culminating in the end of season regatta, which will be held in May next year.

Keith Thompson, Director of epi International, said: "The series is truly open to all yachtsmen and dinghy sailors.

"As a keen sailor myself, I was motivated to create this event with the clear synergies we see existing between our business and competitive sailing."

More than 700 friends, family and supporters enjoyed a fun-packed afternoon of entertainment and activities at the DOSC.

Results:

Race 1: (Div. 1) 1. epi Mattafix; 2. Boracic; 3. Teampremier. (Div. 2) Mace; 2. Elaion; 3. Tisaheel2. (Div. 3) 1. Tosser; 2. Goanbananas; 3. Timeout. (SB3) 1. Menonpause; 2. Marinetech; 3. Blacksheep.

Race 2: (Div. 1) 1. epi Mattafix; 2. Teampremier; 3. Yo!. (Div. 2) Mace; 2. Tisaheel 2; 3. Elaion. (Div. 3) Tosser; 2. Goanbananas; 3. Timeout. (SB3) Marinetech; 2. Menonpause; 3. Laser Performance.

Commodore's cup: Yo! take overnight lead

The Commodore's Cup was led by Yo! after yesterday's racing at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club saw over 100 boats across five classes take to the water.

After the first of four days event, Yo! led Division One but Lloyds TSB were only five points behind.

Conditions were perfect with just over 15 knots of wind and by the first mark Lloyds TSB looked set to close the gap for the overall lead.

But a rule infringement forced Lloyds to take a penalty turn allowed Yo! to take line honours.

The crew went on to take race to be overnight leaders in Division One.