Fazza wins the gold in Fujairah

“What a race!” was the reaction from the spectators of the X-Cat Powerboat Series – Fujairah Grand Prix that took place between 12th and 14th February. With 15 teams set for some serious powerboat action as they all set their eyes on the prize. 

 

The world powerboat series started with registration and the team briefing where Major Ahmed Ebrahiem, Managing Director of Fujairah International Marine Club, and the UIM race commissioner, welcomed the teams in Fujairah once again as most of the drivers attended the Fujairah Grand Prix in 2011. After discussion between the drivers and the WPPA about the race course and technicalities, the powerboats were put in the water for an official practice.

 

The Powerboats were then carried out of the water and on the trailers getting ready for the boat parade on Corniche Street which is the drivers’ favourite part of the race as they sit on their powerboats to greet the spectators as each wave his country’s flag proudly up in the air. 

 

On Thursday the 13th, and due to the weather condition, Emaar pole position was moved to Friday. As the wind calmed down, Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run (knockout drag race) was carried on. The race was intense and spectators were cheering for their favourite team. H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah International Marine Club presented the prizes to the winners. 

 

 

The drivers then attended a Gala Dinner which took place in Novotel and where H.H. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Vice President of Fujairah Sports Club attended and presented souvenirs to the participating teams the Local Organizing Committee members. Major Ahmed Ebrahiem thanked the LOC members and supporters of the event (Fujairah Police, Port of Fujairah, Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah Hospital, Coast Guard, Civil Defense, Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, Fishermen Association, Etisalat, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports TV, Novotel, and all the local and international media). 

 

On Friday, 14th February, The drivers were all focused as they were walking on the Wet Pit Pontoon and on to their powerboats for the rescheduled Emaar Pole Position. The pole position results were as the following:

 

At 3pm, the boats were on position ready for Fujairah Grand Prix.  As the starting flag rose, the powerboats blasted with full power on Fujairah water. Fazza took the lead. After a couple of laps, boat Mouawad 50 had a fault in one of the engines and had to forfeit the race. The race continued as Fujairah Team and #myDubai were neck to neck trying to secure the 2nd place when the red flag rose because Westerlund Racing rolled over, the rescue team rushed to the boat, the drivers were then taken back to the marina to be examined by the doctors who confirmed that both drivers are fine. As the rolled powerboat was tugged to the marina, the race continued. 

 

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, along with H.H. Sheikh Saif Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah International Marine Club, Major Ahmed Ebrahiem, Managing Director of Fujairah International Marine Club, Dr. Saeed Hareb, the UAE Marine Sports Federation President, and H.E Saif Al Ketbi , WPPA President, congratulated the winners as they handed the trophies. The Fujairah Grand Prix results were as following: