Final sailing heat to be held today

The Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) will be hosting a double-header of events this weekend with the staging of the Traditional Rowing and 22ft Dhow Sailing races today and tomorrow. The fourth and final heat of the Dubai Traditional Rowing Race will be held from 3.30pm today while the fourth and final round of the Dubai 22ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race will be held from 2.30pm tomorrow. Both the races will be inside the Palm Jumeirah with a start near the Atlantis Hotel and the boats finishing close to the Royal Mirage Hotel in the Lagoon area. Today is bound to see some close competition with Shanas and Al Qasmi Two tied at the top of the overall standings with seven points apiece at the end of the third heat that was held at the end of January in Fujairah. And giving them some tight competition will be Salim Obaid Ahmad Al Zahmi's Wadi Al Siji Two and Talal Saif Al Za'abi's Al Zaabi who both have 12 points each. They are followed by Al Fujairah, Khaleej and Muzahim in fifth, sixth and seventh positions in the race with nearly 50 boats in action. "For us these are two races that hold a lot of significance as it portrays our culture and heritage. And to have some of the best sailors participating in these races gives it a unique feel as well," noted Mohammad Hareb, Sailing In-Charge at the DIMC. Stiff competition Meanwhile, the action will continue tomorrow with the final heat of the 22ft traditional dhow sailing at the same venue. Dahes is at the top of the standings with five points, thanks to two top places in the first two heats followed by a third place in the penultimate round held in January. But the Mohammad Abdullah Mohammad Al Marzouqi-skippered boat is sure to have some stiff competition from Al Sharid (13 points), Shamardel (17), Al Zeeb (19), Emaar (22), Zilzal (25), Muzahim (27) and Khateer (29).