The crew of Zilzal 25, owned by Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and led by Captain Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, was crowned champion of the Dubai Traditional 60ft Dhow Sailing Race (second round of the Dubai Championship for 2024-2025).
Meanwhile, the crew of Atlas 12, owned by Captain Ahmed Rashid Juma Al Suwaidi, secured second place after a fierce race against their rival, Al Tabr 55, owned by Rashid Mohammed Rashid bin Ghadir Al Ketbi and captained by Mohammed Suhail Al Muhairi.
The event, organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, achieved technical and organizational success, attracting over 70 dhow boats, which sailed from the Arabian Gulf toward the finish line in front of the Burj Al Arab Hotel, covering more than 20 nautical miles.
The crew of Zilzal 25 completed the course in just over two hours. The experience of the captain and crew proved crucial, as they skillfully adapted to changing wind speeds and directions, adjusting the sails multiple times to stay on the best course. This navigation expertise helped Zilzal 25 secure the victory. The close gap between Atlas 12 (second) and Al Tabr 55 (third) highlighted the thrilling competition, with both boats finishing within a narrow time margin, similar to the first round. After this race, Atlas 12 continues to lead the overall Dubai Championship standings with 3 points, closely followed by Al Tabr 55 with 4 points.
At the end of the race, the UAE flag was raised on the champions’ platform in Umm Suqeim, where Mohammed Abdullah Harib Al Falahi, Board Member and CEO of the Dubai International Marine Club, along with Mohammed Al Marri, the Race Director, and Colonel Ali Abdullah Al Naqbi from Dubai Police, presented awards to the captains and crews of Zilzal 25 (first), Atlas 12 (second), and Al Tabr 55 (third).
Captain Marwan Abdullah Al Marzouqi of Zilzal 25 dedicated this victory to the boat's owner, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He emphasized that their knowledge of sea conditions played a crucial role in selecting the quickest route, allowing Zilzal 25 to lead confidently to the finish line.
Mohammed Abdullah Harib Al Falahi also congratulated the winners and participants on a safe finish. He acknowledged the essential role of the club’s partners, who contributed to the race's success and ensured the safety of all dhow boats throughout the competition.
Al Falahi described the race as a true maritime epic, with challenging conditions due to fluctuating wind speeds and directions, which added excitement and difficulty to each stage, even in the final meters.
Upcoming Events: 2025
The Dubai 60ft Local Sailing Championship will continue in the 2024-2025 season, with the excitement carrying over into the new year. The third and final round is scheduled for Saturday, 18 January 2025.
Top Finishers:
