Dubai Muscat Regatta - Tension on the dock + Video

by Louay Habib on 26 Nov 2011 Dubai Muscat Regatta Dinghy and Inshore Race, organised by The Ministry of Sports Affairs and sponsored by The Bank of Beirut, was held from 23-25 November 2011.

The success of the third edition of the regatta was put beyond doubt at the official prize giving. Two very senior members of the Omani Government attended the Gala Prize Giving. His Excellency Doctor Omar bin Abdulmunim Al Zawawi and His Excellency Sheikh Abdulmalik Al Khalili were given a warm welcome from Saleem Q. Al Zawawi, Chairman of the Muscat Regatta. The prize giving was attended by over 300 hundred VIPs and honoured guests.

Prior to the start of the last day of inshore racing for the Muscat Regatta, there was tension on the dock at Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha. All four classes were very much in the balance. As the early morning cloud was dissipated by brilliant sunshine, a gentle northeasterly breeze developed. The 51-strong armada of dinghies and keelboats left the marina on schedule.

Bshar Al-Jabri continued his fine form by winning the first race of the day but the second race did not go so well for the young student. Rival Naseer Salem Al-Rezaki won the penultimate race and sailed consistently well all day to put pressure on the overall leader. However, Bshar Al-Jabri held on to snatch victory by a single point to win the Nawras Cup. Naseer Salem Al-Rezaki was second and Mohammed Al-Muaimi’s consistent performance through out the entire regatta secured third place overall. The RS Q’BA fleet of 24 dinghies was the largest at the regatta and provided exciting racing for young aspiring sailors. Ibtisam Al Salmi is a young Omani girl that typifies the enthusiasm in the class and this was recognised by the race committee making a special award to the young Omani sailor.

The overnight leader in the Laser Class continued his fine form on Day Two by taking the first race of the day. Contender, Hamza had a bad start to the day scoring a lowly fifth but the young Omani showed resilience and dedication to stage a remarkable fight back. Hamza won the last two races to win the Thales Cup. Ken Greene was second and Ahmed Bin Humaid Bin Khlfan Al Shamsi cliaed third. A special mention for Ahmed who finished all six races in the top three places.

There was a nail-biting finnish for the eleven catamarans competing for the Eurocopter Cup. Paul Waklin and Asrar Aljami won the first race of the day to retain the overnight lead but a sixth in the penultimate race meant that Musab Alhadi and Ahmed Al Balushi took the overall lead. Going into the final race of the regatta, there was everything to play for. Paul Waklin and Asrar Aljami held their nerve to win the last race of the regatta and in doing so the Eurocopter Cup. Asrar Aljami was also awarded the special prize of the highest points scoring lady in the class sponsored by regatta partner MBDA. Musab Alhadi and Ahmed Al Balushi were second overall with Giles and Jules Brinsley claiming third. The Brinsley’s won as many races as the winners, typifying the close competition in the Hobie 16 Class

The clear winner in the Farr 30 Class was Oman Sail steered by Abdalah Al Farsi, which won all six races at the Muscat Regatta. Ahmed Al Marmari steering the second Oman Sail yacht claimed second and pushed their team mates hard in every race. The Royal Navy of Oman team claimed third and were awarded the special prize of The Spirit of the Regatta, especially as the team has only been sailing together for less than a week.

Oman Sail are expecting to have as many as ten Farr 30s racing at the regatta next year.

Today (Saturday 26th November) marks the start of the Chairman’s Cup offshore race to Khasab. The 230-mile race to the north of Oman is a test of sailing but also stamina and teamwork. The start should see light airs conditions but the wind is forecast to increase significantly with high wind speeds expected to give the competitors an adrenalin pumping ride to Khasab. The race course is an enormous tactical challenge, where crews must decide whether to opt for sea breeze close to shore or increased gradient wind offshore. The fleet will also pass the hauntingly beautiful Musandam Peninsular, which juts into the Strait of Hormuz. Title sponsor, Bank of Beirut have generously donated a prize fund of US$50,000.

Barrie Harmsworth, skipper of Bin Toak tells the amazing story of his race to Muscat from Dubai:

Muscat Regatta website