Dahis boat no. 63, owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Media Office and led by the young sailor Issa Sultan Al Marzouqi, was crowned the champion of the 43ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, marking the first round of the Dubai Championship season 2023-2024. The event was successfully organized by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) with the participation of 80 boats.
The second place was secured by boat no. 96, Al Shaqi, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and skippered by Khalaf Butti Mosbeh Al-Ghasheesh Al-Marri. The third place went to the crew of boat no. 170, Sahm, owned by Abdullah Ibrahim Abdullah Al Hammadi, and captained by Ahmed Youssef Salem Al Hammadi.
The event was marked by significant organizational success, taking place under ideal conditions. It commenced at the starting point in the depths of the Arabian Gulf waters, with wind speeds ranging between 8-12 knots, heading towards the finish line near the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. The race covered more than 14 nautical miles, and the race organizing committee ensured a tight control over the course to ensure the safety of all participants.
As the race concluded, the awarding ceremony for the top winners was held in the presence of Mohammed Harib, the CEO of the Dubai International Marine Club, along with Mohammed Al Marri, Director of the Sports Affairs Department and Race Director. They presented the trophies and prizes to the top three finishers: "Dahis 63," "Al Shaqi 96," and "Sahm 170." The podium atmosphere was filled with joy and happiness from the sailors and boat crews.
Harib commended the substantial participation and attendance in the initial rounds of the 43ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race Championship, marking the beginning of major races in traditional sports. He emphasized that the spirit displayed by everyone indicates a promising start for a successful season.
Furthermore, Mohammed Harib praised the dedication of the organizing committee at the club for their meticulous oversight of the race and expressed his appreciation for the continuous support from government and national entities that have consistently contributed to the success of all the club's event. These entities include the General Command of Dubai Police, Dubai Coast Guard, Dubai Civil Defense, and Dubai Media Incorporated, represented by Dubai Sports TV (as the media partner) and P&O Marina.
63
The sailor, Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, dedicated the victory of the boat no.63 Dahis to the team sponsor, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Media Office, for his continuous support. He emphasized that as a team, they always strive for podium finishes and praised the performance of the team's boats, along with the success of the young sailor, Issa Sultan Al Marzouqi, in the race.
Marwan stated that the team, which includes a group of boats, successfully adopted an appropriate and successful strategy that led them to secure victory, with boat no. 63 Dahis being crowned as the champion. He pointed out that this marks a wonderful start to a successful season, especially since the team's boats achieved success at the beginning of the season in the 22ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, with boat no. 77 'Zilzal' winning the title.
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The second round of the 43ft Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race will return in Dubai Shore on 11th of November.
Results :
1- Dahis 63, Issa Sultan Al Marzouqi
2- Al Shaqi 96, Khalaf Butti Mosbeh Al-Ghasheesh Al-Marri
3- Sahm 170, Ahmed Youssef Salem Al Hammadi