Sheikh Mayed Wooden Powerboat Race - Damas takes the lead, Godolphins follow
As roaring engines and 6 feet high water sprayed off the 20 registered entrants for the Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed Watersports Wooden Powerboat Cup held Saturday at 11.30 am in the presence of HH Sheikh Mayed, there was excitement, anxiety and trepidation as to who would emerge the winner. Speculation was rife but it had to be seen to be believed especially with stiff competition between Damas and the Godolphin teams.
The course similar to the Class 3 – 6ltr races added excitement and a competitive spirit to the race especially with the introduction of the mandatory long lap of 4.54 NM in addition to six race laps of 4.09 NM each. As soon as the green flag was raised, all the boats powered up and stepped on the gas so to say. A spectacular view of boats raised at the bow made for action and excitement as spectators lined the beaches from Royal Mirage to Sheraton Jumeirah to witness the grand baby of power boating. There was stiff competition and this was evident, as the race progressed. Each vying for the first place and wanting to out beat the other by using all the tactics and skills they had. In the distance the wooden boats appeared like dolphins bobbing their head up and down on the waters. The speed with which they maneuvered their boats was beyond compare. The course which totalled 32.71 NM stretched from DIMC at Mina Seyahi to Sheraton Jumeirah.
On board to witness and cheer the participants was Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Marwan Bin Byat along with Saeed Hareb, Managing Director and Race Organiser DIMC.
It was a glorious day for the Damas, driven by Class 3’s Rashid Khalifa Al Marri. Rashid pushed his boat to the limit and stayed in the lead right from the first lap maintaining consistency all through. Not too far behind was Marwan Al Muhairi and co driver Naser Abdulatif al Muhairi in Godolphin. Godolphin 1 skippered by Mohammed Majid Al Room and long time partner Marwan Suhail Al Ayali had to concede to a third position.
The Godolphin 1 has for the first time been sent down to third place in the season having maintained a straight first in all three previous heats. Rashid Al Marri has shown tremendous progress over the season taking home his first podium win. Godolphin with Marwan Al Muhairi and long term partner Naser have not been very fortunate to get to the top of the podium except to stay in second position once before.
Fighting for the overall title are Godolphin 1 steered by Mohammed Majid Al Room and partner Marwan Suhail Al Ayali against Damas and Godolphin.
The fifth heat will be held in Abu Dhabi.
Overall Race points:
1. Godolphin 1, 1425; 2. Godolphin, 1050; 3. Damas, 1000 4. Raheeb 1, 550; 5. Al Mushkhas, 504.