Dubai: Muhajir continued its good form this season as the Majid Ahmad Khadim Al Muhairi-skippered boat powered its way to a strong victory in the opening heat of the Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship held off the Mina Seyahi waters of Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).
Owned by Khadim Abdullah Khadim Al Qubaisi, Muhajir finished clear of Ghazi that was skippered by Ahmad Saeed Salem Al Rumaithi, while Al Shaqi, skippered by Khalaf Butti Mussabeh Al Ghasheesh, was placed third.
More than 100 boats participated in the opening heat of the Championship and the prize winners were awarded by Khalid Bin Desmal, Huzaim Al Qamzi and Mohammad Al Merri at Mina Seyahi immediately after the race.
After Thursday’s deadline for registration of dhows, the list had gone up to 98 including a host of past champions. The wind conditions were ideal and the race was flagged off at 1 pm from the tip of The Palm and heading towards the finish line near Mina Seyahi.
Muhajir, winner of last month’s opening heat of the 22ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing race, was at the forefront once skipper Majid Ahmad Khadim Al Muhairi got the perfect start to finish clear of the competition. “We have trained hard for this season. It all boils down to hard work,” Al Muhairi said after the race.
Former Class One powerboat world champion Mohammad Al Merri, who was appointed as the new director for sports affairs at DIMC, was satisfied with the safety measures in place at DIMC races so far. “This season safety will be our main concern and objective. We will pay maximum attention to have enjoyable events under safe conditions for the crew involved,” Al Merri said.
This year’s Dubai Traditional 43ft Dhow Sailing Championship will consist of three rounds.
