RAK dragon boat race set to thrill

ras al khaimah — Up to 700 paddlers, in 30 teams from across the UAE and the Middle East are to compete in the longawaited RAK International Marine Sports Club Autumn Dragon Boat Regatta 2016.

The much-anticipated event will be held on Friday under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Teams, including from Qatar and Iran, are to be taking to the waters of the RAK Corniche in seven race classes; 22 teams in the competitive category and eight teams in the corporate category.

The corporate teams of RAK Hospital, Emirates Steel and St. George Dragon Slayers are just a few of those participating in the corporate race.

The dragon boat event will be held from 8am until late in the afternoon, with spectators able to watch the teams battling it out on the waters from the Corniche area, against the backdrop of the majestic Hajar Mountains.

Rina Gauer, Head of the Organising Committee, said dragon boating is a thrilling watersport, full of adrenaline, sportsmanship and strategy.

“It is the fastest growing water sport in the world with over 50 million annual competitions, while it continues to gain much interest in the UAE.”

The event has grown considerably from the RAK IMC’s first Summer Regatta last May 27, where 16 teams were competing. After such a successful day, we knew we had to raise the next event to an even higher level of competition, she added.

“With this in mind, the club has built a competitive race course of international standard, exclusively for Dragon Boating and a sophisticated timing system will be used to record and capture all results and races.”

Teams will compete in five Standard Champion Boats; each boat seating twenty paddlers, a steersman and a drummer, she explained. “For the first time in the UAE, races will be held using Small Champion Boats, for crews of ten paddlers, the steersman and a drummer.”

Training has been focused and intense, expectations are high and passions have been stirred, as the competitive teams prepare to ‘unleash the dragon’, on their quest to win medals, trophies and other prizes, Rina pointed out.

“The event is supported by the office of the RAK Ruler, RAK Municipality, Police and Coast Guard whereas RAK Hospital continues to show its community commitment in providing the medical assistance for the Regatta 2016.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com