The crew of Zilzal, boat no. 217, owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and led by Marwan Abdullah Mohammed Al Marzouki, claimed the championship title in the 43ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race. This event marked the second and final round of the 2023-2024 championship, which took place last Saturday on the shores of Dubai.

Simultaneously, the crew of Al Taff, boat no. 70, owned by H.E. Mohammed Rashid Al-Rumaithi and captained by Youssef Ahmed Mohamed Al Hammadi, secured the second-place position as the runner-up, while the crew of Sahm, boat no. 170, owned by Abdullah Ibrahim Abdullah Al Hammadi and led by Ahmed Youssef Salem Al Hammadi, clinched the third-place victory.

The race, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club as part of the marine sports season 2023-2024, achieved remarkable success with the participation of 80 boats. The vessels, all lined up in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, sailed from the starting point near the Dubai Islands to the finish line located near the Burj Al Arab on Jumeirah's shore. Participants covered more than 14 nautical miles with perfect timing.

Throughout the race, various stages witnessed shifts in the leading position. Zilzal 217 took the lead, facing intense competition from other participating boats. As the race approached the final meters, the competition intensified, requiring the skill of sail manipulation to reach the finish line. Ultimately, Zilzal 217 secured first place, with Al Taff 70 and Sahm 170 following in second and third positions, respectively.

The award ceremony promptly followed the race, attended by Khalid Khamis bin Dasmal, Board Member of the Dubai International Marine Club, Mohammed Harib, Chief Executive Officer at DIMC, and Mohammed Al Marri, the Race Director. They presented the trophy to the crews of the top three boats, along with the captains and sailors of Zilzal 217, Al Taff 70, and Sahm 170.

Khalid conveyed his congratulations to the top three place holders and all participants for the success of the event, commending the role of the organizing committee and the cooperation of partners from government departments and national institutions. Bin Dasmal highlighted the positive aspects of the race, including significant attendance and participation by boat owners, crews, and sailors, reflecting the distinguished position occupied by traditional races. Notably, the active involvement of young individuals and teenagers emphasizes the passing down of the event's message across generations, preserving the legacy of their forefathers.

217

Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, the captain of the boat, Zilzal 217, expressed his happiness at the crew’s excellence during the race, thanking and appreciating the team owner, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the support and encouragement. He also praised the decisions of the organizing committee in choosing the place and route of the race, which helped in the safety arrival of all the boats that registered their participation.

Results:

1- Zilzal 217 - Marwan Abdullah Mohammed Al Marzouki

2- Al Taff 70 - Youssef Ahmed Mohamed Al Hammadi

3- Sahm 170 - Ahmed Yousef Salem Al Hammadi