Rough conditions force dhow race postponement

Dubai: Rough sea conditions forced race organisers to postpone the running of the first heat of the 43ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Championship yesterday.

The race committee headed out to sea and saw conditions were not favourable.

With winds over 18 knots and waves up to five feet, some of the wooden dhows capsized, giving no alternative to the organisers but to postpone the race.

"Sailing is all about excitement out there on the water, but we will not compromise on safety," DIMC Managing Director Saeed Hareb told Gulf News.

"We took the decision to postpone the race after consulting the sailors," he added.

The race will now most likely be held today after the pole position run for the Dubai Duty Free Grand Prix.