Dubai's Mu'azzam coasts home unruffled

It took just over 30-metres for Ahmed Saeed Salem Al Rumaithi-captained Mu'azzam to win the fifth round of the 22-foot Dubai traditional dhow sailing race, held off the Mina Seyahi shores yesterday.

The Dubai crew made steady progress from the start and gradually increased their lead to over 600 metres to the highly-experienced Mohammed Rashid Al Shaheen's Mushakes, which finished runners-up.

The race could have been the other way for Mushakes if not Al Shareeq had not messed up things at the turn buoy and thereby damage the sail.

In third position was Khadim Rashid Khadim Al Muhairi-skippered Dhaees - winner of the fourth round and overall leader after four rounds.

"This was one of the simple race that we had with absolutely no challenge. But it is always good to have tough races which tests the skill of the crew," said Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).

Ahmed Rashid Khadim Al Muhairi steered Azzam came fourth while Rajam was fifth. Atlas, the other most-experienced team led by Majid Al Room, once again had a poor start and had to be satisfied with sixth place.

With yesterday's win Mu'azzam moved to 74 points - eight clear of Mushakes - that has a total of 66pts after five rounds.

The race this time started in front of Royal Mirage hotel and headed diagonally towards the Jebel Ali power station area, then turned to the finish at the mouth of the DIMC harbour. The next round of the eight-round series will be held in Fujairah on March 14.

Top results: 1. Mu'azzam, 2. Mushakes, 3. Dhaees, 4. Azzam, 5. Rajam, 6. Atlas, 7. Ghazi, 8. Jerah, 9. Al Taf, 10. Al Mushref.