Al Ya clinches Maktoum Cup rowing race trophy
Dubai: The Maktoum Cup and the Mina Seyahi traditional Rowing races held at the Mina Seyahi lagoon on Friday May 4, acted as a pleasant contrast between the old and the new with the Palm Jumeirah construction in the backdrop. The race was a display of sheer strength, skill and excellent communication between skipper and rowers. Moreover it was a perfect show of endurance. The modernity of the area with skyscrapers dotting the island and seafront made for an excellent backdrop of the lifestyle of city that is bustling all the year round yet firmly rooted in its traditions.
In what marks the end of the traditional rowing race of the season there was stiff competition, and this was evident in the facial expressions of the rowers, the enthusiasm of the teams and the encouragement given by the nakhoudah (skipper) who did not cease to spur his team on to the finish line.
The races were traditionally held at the creek to remind the youth of today of the past heritage of their forefathers, but due to developmental projects it was shifted to Mina Seyahi.
The races were divided into two rounds – the Mina Seyahi traditional Rowing race and the Maktoum Cup Rowing race. In the Mina Seyahi rowing race of the day, competition was rife and Al Mursal made it to the finish line at top speed leading by a boat and a half length. Skippered by Khalid Mohammed Saeed, Mursal rowed furiously right from the flag off and it was a delight to see them cruise on. Al Qadri group 2 followed behind in second place with Al Zahab 4 not too far behind to finish in third position.
In the Maktoum Cup race Al Ya had the leading edge as they had a good lead from the start and maintained their steady pace to the end taking a first at the podium. Wadi Wesam who showed a lot of hope over the last four heats did well at the Maktoum Cup race by pushing herself forward and emerging second. Henyam with skipper Mohammed Abdul Rahman Ali fought a close fight against Wadi Wesam close to the finish line, but had to concede to third place at the podium.
Jubilation was rampant on the break water at Mina Seyahi as supporters of the teams cheered them on and when the wave of the chequered flag signalled the winners, the crowd burst into spontaneous chanting of traditional song and dance, much of a spectacle of revelry. Throughout the two rounds skippers encouraged their teams with chants of patriotic verses and stomping of the feet as the rowers rowed their boat in unison rhythmically.
The 3.5 km race route from inside the Palm Jumeirah to finish at the Mina Seyahi lagoon was witness to a certain transition from the old to the new. Speaking after the race, DIMC Managing Director, Saeed Hareb said, “Today’s race was a tough fight between 5-6 boats but you could see the enthusiasm in the rowers and the skippers. This event is a perfect showcase of the heritage and tradition of our forefathers and it is always exciting to see new faces among the youth who take this race seriously. The moment the green flag is raised there is no stopping the rowers who take off like a pack of herd competing with each other neck to neck”.
Saeed Hareb added, “Rowing races are an integral part of our tradition and we want to encourage the youth in the sport. They should not forget the hard work of their fathers and grand-fathers who have made the country what it is today. Thanks to HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Deputy Ruler of Dubai under who’s patronage the Maktoum Cup Rowing races are held for encouraging us to promote the traditional dhow sailing and rowing races”.
Top placing:
Maktoum Cup race -
1. Al Ya; 2. Wadi Wesam; 3. Henyam; 4. Al Matla’a 2; 5. Dubai
Mina Seyahi race –
1. Al Mursal; 2. Al Qadri Group 2; 3. Al Zahab 4; 4. Amkari; 5. Wahdawi 2.