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Dubai Flying Dragons (team) and DBA (UAE) Club are hosting a monthly Dragon Boat Festival. Starting from the Mina breakwaters , you will be taken through boat paddling and races. The event costs Dhs130, including boat hire, insurance, coaching and free team t-shirt. Contact Melanie on 050 2955781 or visit info@dubaidragons.com
The beauty of surf-skiing is that anyone do it! It does not initially demand any particular skills or fitness level from its participants. There is no age limit and you can start from teenagers up. It is a great leveler and many times when learning, women will initially have the advantage over men, as it is not a sport entirely dominated by strength. Women often find the balance easier (probably best not to ask why), and they often take advice much more readily. The boats used are of an intermediate level, so they are not too challenging to learn on.
There are two things however that do take a bit of time to get used to:
Special events: DSCK SQUALL in the Mina Seyahi lagoon, every last Friday of each month. Please log on to www.dskc.net for more details, or contact:
Pamela Dino Verano - fondly known as "Pam"
To better understand the true essence of the "Mina Effect", you also have to understand the wonderful people that make up the Mina Family...in an effort to bring our associates and guests closer together, the Mina Effect Blog will regularly feature snapshots of these special people.
If you are looking for a place where you can Work, Grow, and be Happy, the Mina is the place to be! Come and join “the Mina Team” and do not be left out wondering, “what is the Mina effect?””
Still having doubts?
I am Pamela Dino Verano, at your service, ask me all about it!
We did it again! Our April Aquathon that took place on Friday 20th of April where our participants started their 800 Meter swim at 7:00 early in the morning followed by a 5 kilometer run. Well done to all who took part in our last big event of the season.
Temperatures soared as did the competition though it was a runaway victory for the overall champion Jason Metters. The remaining top Male and Female places were fiercely contested, especially amongst the ‘veteran’ (in age only!) guys (Noel Kirkaldy and Garry Kershaw) proving that youth doesn’t always come out on top! So there’s hope for us all yet J
But it’s not only about the Winners , it’s also about personal goals and achievements however ambitious or humble they may be.
Many people improved their race performances by up to 3 mins compared to October’s Aquathon and in one case, 7 mins (Dave) And also well done all you newcomers!
The main season is over and the weather is heating up but that is no excuse to put tri related matters on hold until the cooler months as it is now the Second Season of Summer Sizzlers!!! For those of you unfamiliar with the “Sizzler” concept, it is basically a summer series of Aquathons where the focus is on staying fit, gaining experience, introducing new people to the sport, and being social! You can either race the whole course and be timed, or just do as many/few laps of the course as you are comfortable with no pressure at all. We hope to see you all at our next Aquathon in October!
Contact Club Mina at:
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
The Beach Road, c/o Dubai International Marine Club,
PO Box 24883, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: (971)(4) 399 3333
Fax: (971)(4) 399 3111
Email | Property Website | Special Offers
SWIMALICIOUS! What a fantastic swimming gala we had with over 150 participants and 9 different events, Supersports Dubai teamed up with Club Mina at the most perfect venue with the best ambiance, to create the ultimate water thrills. The swimming enthusiasts truly had "their" moments, while their families & friends proudly watched!
More About the event: Sponsored by ARENA, this years race was swum in the Arabian Gulf waters in front of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina and The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, UAE. The race course, sheltered by The Palm and the marina, offer pristine, flat and calm waters all day irrespective of the weather conditions, ensuring all swimmers a safe and enjoyable swim.
This event was held on Friday, 27 April 2007 with 10 different age groups / categories and relay events to choose from. The MINA MILE (1650 meters) is open to all ages and constitutes the main event of the day. There is also an 800 meter event for those 13 and over who feel a mile is maybe too long and then also a 200 meter swim for all those aged 12 and under. All events are open to juniors, adults, schools, clubs and companies.
For results and more images please log on to www.supersportsdubai.com
Contact Club Mina at:
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
The Beach Road, c/o Dubai International Marine Club,
PO Box 24883, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Phone: (971)(4) 399 3333
Fax: (971)(4) 399 3111
Email | Property Website | Special Offers
The special Jet Ski Endurance race held under the patronage of Sheikh Mayed Bin Mohammed drew tremendous response from both local as well as GCC riders. The event was held Saturday at 3 pm in the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi lagoon. Stringent rules were applied and riders adhered to it. Though the course appeared to be easy to navigate the prime factor was endurance as 43 riders participated in three categories. Running concurrently on the same course to kick off the Sheikh Mayed Jet Ski Cup were the junior and ski class racers.
The junior class proved their mettle with Omar Abdullah Rashid clinching first place followed by Nader Bin Hindi’s son Ali and nephew Hisham in second and third place respectively. Abdullah Nader Bin Hindi was not so lucky this time round but managed to save himself with a fourth place. It seems like the Bin Hindi’s will rule the circuit for a while in Jet Ski competitions. 30 minutes on the water constantly is some endurance for the youngsters. Jury had a tough time keeping track of the results as jet skis kept going past at swift paces. On the ski class front Omeir Bin Thani kept his pace and stayed way ahead in the lead up to the finish. Chris Wilkinson maintained a steady speed often getting thrown back a notch by Alex Kim from time to time but managed to retain a second place at the podium followed by Alex in third. Off the 13 entrants not many were able to stay the course as a few faced technical problems with their jet skis and had to retire.
The runabout class was a thrill. 24 skis racing against each other created a spectacular image on the water. No sooner had the flag gone up than there was a swarm of skis zipping their way down the course. It took skill and control to navigate their way around the course especially closer to the break water. A slight misjudgment would see the rider and his ski propped well on the rocks. Well experienced and overall champion of the season, Nader Bin Hindi maintained a good lead stopping for a few minutes for refueling and technical checks but his loss of time while off the water did not cost him his lead position. Taking the victory stand, Nader was followed by Huraiz Bin Huraiz who was close enough behind but could not beat the champ. Saif Khalifa Bin Futais maintained his speed and put up an exhilarating performance taking third place at the podium. Unfortunately none of the visitors from Qatar, Kuwait or Syria were abler to make it in the top five. Guess they were just not ready for an endurance race that lasted one hour and forty five minutes. The riders looked exhausted after the race and could wait to get over with the prize giving. Saeed Hareb and Officer of the Day, Ghanim presented the Sheikh Mayed jet Ski Trophies to the winners. As an added feature to the event, a free style show was put up where Sultan Mohammed Qubaisi displayed his skills on and off the jet ski making him the shining star of the evening followed by his brother Hamdan Qubaisi in second place and Ahmed Jaber Al Hamli in third place despite having slipped off his jet ski sending it hurtling on the rocks.
Saeed Hareb described the race as exciting and thrilling. “This is the first time that we have introduced the endurance circuit and since it appears to be successful, we will have it as an annual feature. It has drawn a lot of response from the riders and am sure in future we will see more GCC nationals participating. Thanks to the continued support of Sheikh Mayed this event will surely be a race desired for”.
More Information:
Patrick Francis, Press Officer, DIMC
P.O.Box 24883, Dubai, UAE
Contact: +971 4 399 5777
web: http://dimc-uae.com
mail: pressofficerdimc@gmail.com
Frenzied supporters thronged the breakwater at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi on Friday bearing the scorching heat to cheer their friends and compatriots who participated in the special Sheikh Mayed Watersports Cup Traditional Rowing Championship Cup.
Amidst chants of encouragement and patriotism, the boats made their way to the finish buoys at Mina Seyahi from the start line set inside the Palm Island, Jumeirah. Effort, strength, skill and patriotism at its hilt were visible at the race as these boats rowed furiously. Divided into two rounds Ali Juma Al Za’abi pushed his crew in Wadi Wesam to row to victory in the first round followed by just an inch’ distance with Ahmed Ibrahim Rashid in Al Zahab 1. Not far behind was Henyam skippered by Mohammed Abdul Rahman Ali. Jubilation was eveident as Wadi Wesam and Zahab 1 touched the finish line. There was much discussion as to who crossed the line first as both seemed to be there at the same time. In the second round, Dubai skippered by Ahmed Rahman Al Mansouri took a good distance lead to cross the finish line followed by Al Matlaa 2 with Saif Khalaf Al Matri at the helm. Al Ya made it in third place.
Sounds of jubilation reverberated on the breakwater of Mina Seyahi as spectators cheered the winners at the prize distribution. For the first time there were two boats that tied in the overall points and in order to avoid confusion organiser Saeed Hareb decided that there would be a draw so as to determine the first and second positions. The tie was between Al Matla’a 2 and Al Zahab 1 with Al Matlaa emerging the overall winner. Al Zahab 1 took second place at the podium followed by Al Yah in third place. The Sheikh Mayed Rowing Cup event ends the traditional rowing season.
More Information:
Patrick Francis, Press Officer, DIMC
P.O.Box 24883, Dubai, UAE
Contact: +971 4 399 5777
web: http://dimc-uae.com
mail: pressofficerdimc@gmail.com
Dubai’s’ favourite beachfront spot adds a new entertainment dimension.
The newly re -furbished Barasti , the premier beach bar destination, has not only extended its upper deck but now offers a lower deck area of over 140 sq metres to accommodate the steady stream of vibrant guests and clients who want to be seen at Dubai’s’ “it” spot.
An intimate beach lounge environment where people can meet and relax, enjoy the view and sample the new menu that will offer tapas and bite size snacks, as well as a wide selection of elegant cocktails, from frozen margaritas to special liqueurs and a full bar selection, can only add to the allure of this gorgeous setting.
Rattan and teak themed décor capturing the essence of outdoors beach lifestyle and a gorgeous interior bar / lounge with a dancefloor ,will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11a.m. to close and Sunday to Wednesday from 5.00 p.m. until close.
A wide selection of music from laid back jazz, beachside chill out beats, to contemporary rock and some dance music will be played nightly with resident DJ to capture the mood of the crowd. A sophisticated extension to a venue that reflects the vibrancy and personality of Dubai’s’ socialites.
With a selection of packages for the individual, family, visitors, tourist or corporate client, the Sailing Academy will lead the way in marine leisure & recreation, and provide a platform for potential “sailors” from novice to professional to either learn to sail, or learn to perfect the art of racing.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi is currently the training venue for the victorious America’s cup Alinghi sailing team, and provides the perfect conditions for all levels of participants.
The Sailing Academy offers different packages, the 1st is, “Discover Sailing” giving beginners an introduction to the essentials of sailing and a turn on the azure water of the Arabian Gulf in either a Beneteau 34,7 or Archambault 35. Accommodating up to 6 people, the basic course is certified by the Royal Yachting Association.
“Start Sailing” offers 3 to 4 hours of theory, on water safety, boat layout, rigging, tacking, rope work and basic navigational skills and includes theoretical and practical examples. This course enables participants to complete the other more advanced course offered in less time, and is also taught by the RYA.
“Competent Crewing” is another interesting course filled with all the tools necessary to enable each person to become part of a competent and active crew on a yacht.
Other exciting Team styled events have been created, once your course is finished- at the moment the Academy runs two packages with Duboats under the extremely talented eye of America’s Cup skippers. The first, is where you have a totally unique opportunity to race head- to head against another team!
The second is the ultimate experience offered by the Sailing Academy, called The “America’s Cup Experience” – based on 2 teams with a total minimum of 12 participants, this sailing race is guaranteed to align the competitive spirit in your group. After a full safety brief, the day explores the optimal team dynamics for a winning race performance, which is then put to practice on our featured boats the Beneteau 34.7 and Archambault 35.
To book call +971 4 3993333 or email reservations@lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
Enjoy Easter weekend, Easter Sunday...and even an extended Easter holiday this April at the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. The Mina has dining specials, entertainment and room rates lined up to suit the most every taste, palate and inclination. From Easter Sunday lunch and dinner specials to a special weekend rate for those wishing to stretch their Easter break just a little bit longer, we've thought of it all. Check out the highlights below:
Limited Time Rooms Offer: If you're planning an extended Easter break this April, enjoy an exciting weekend break with us, with even more exciting room rates, starting at only AED 1299 plus taxes. These rates are valid for stays from 12th - 14th April 2007, based on availability, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Book Now
Join us every Saturday under the stars at the new Aperitivo sunset lounge at Bussola. Feel the breeze, chill out to Mediterranean and ambient vibes by our resident DJ Paul Hamilton and enjoy Chef Corrado’s complimentary classical Italian canapes. You’ll also discover a range of superb cocktails and fine Italian vintages. Relaxation and fun are just a sunset-kiss away...
Every Saturday from 5.30pm-8.30pm.