Heritage Speedboats Celebrate Maritime Legacy: Al-Zafeen is the Champion of the Sharjah Season
At the conclusion of the UAE Championship for Wooden Speedboats, everyone in Khorfakkan celebrated an exciting and competitive season. The spirit of maritime heritage was showcased through the exceptional performance of Aref Al-Zafeen, who was crowned champion, highlighting his esteemed position in the world of traditional boats. With lively audience engagement, this championship became a platform to honor Emirati maritime culture and the heritage that has evolved with generations of seafarers.
Al-Zafeen’s Victory and Successes in Khorfakkan
The competitions concluded with a decisive round at the Khorfakkan Marine Festival, where excitement filled the air with strong participation from the competitors. Following a standout performance, Emirati champion Aref Al-Zafeen claimed the title, representing the continuity of a rich maritime legacy established by Emirati captains over time. Al-Zafeen, along with his assistant Youssef Al-Sabouri, skillfully piloted the boat “Al-Mashakhis No. 33,” securing first place with a score of 77 points.
Exciting Results and Strong Competition
In the final round results, the boat “Sniyar Marine” took second place under the leadership of captains Saleh Mohammed Ali Al-Shamsi and Hassan Ali Al-Shamsi, while “Al-Mashakhis No. 20” secured third place. The top three teams were honored, demonstrating the strength of competition and the high level witnessed in this season’s championship. In the overall standings, “Hayaf No. 19” placed second with 72 points, while “Al-Mashakhis No. 20” came in third with 68 points.
Al-Zafeen’s Excellence in the Kilometer Break Race
Aref Al-Zafeen’s superiority was not limited to the main traditional boat race; he also showcased his skills in the kilometer break race, where he again achieved first place. This type of race demands extreme precision and quick decision-making under time pressure. Majid Al-Khalaf took second place, while Khalifa Bin Dhiban finished in third.
A Message of Support and Strengthening Maritime Heritage
Ahmed Issa Al-Hosni, General Manager of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, expressed pride in Aref Al-Zafeen’s achievement, emphasizing the significance of this high-level performance as a representation of excellence in traditional boat racing. He noted that the final round was a successful milestone for the UAE Championship in promoting the authentic Emirati maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of these traditional sports.
Finally, the championship concluded with a ceremony honoring the champions, an occasion that reaffirmed the immense value of the sea, which remains a mirror of our history, highlighting the importance of responsibly and confidently preserving this legacy. These events reflect the commitment of the Emirati community to support and enhance traditional marine sports.