It was a memorable day for Atlas, skippered by Mohammed Rashid bin Shaheen as he maintained a steady lead in the third heat of the Dubai Traditional 22ft Dhow Sailing Race, organised by the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), Mina Seyahi on Friday.

As many as 47 dhows took to the waters at the stem of the Palm Jumeirah marked as the start point and finishing opposite the Le Royal Mirage Hotel to complete the 2.5NM course. The climax of the race was the Al Khayour turn buoy.

In the afternoon sun the sea was dotted with 44 white sails and three dhows that donned sails in the colours of the national flag.

The race witnessed the skills and tactics of the national sailors who spared no efforts to win against winds of 9 knots.

The well-known and most feared Al Khayour turn tested the tacking and gibing skills of the captains and crew as the craft are not renowned for their maneuverability through the wind, being most accustomed to straight sailing routes.

Friday's race missed favorite contenders Mu'azzim and Mushakes, leaving Atlas, Dahees, Al Adeed, Heyaf and Rejam to vie for the best place and retain their positions.

Results
1. Atlas; 2. Dahees; 3. Al Adeed; 4. Heyaf; 5. Rejam; 6. Al 'Iz; 7. Al Mushref; 8. Mafnoud; 9.Al Mushref 1; 10. Al Shareek.