DUBAI // The second round of the UIM XCat Middle East Championships in Dubai will take place a day earlier in an attempt to avoid the predicted heavy winds this weekend, according to race organisers.
The powerboat committee at the Dubai International Marine Club met this morning to prepare for the second round of the series and have taken caution to the weather. The event will now be moved forward to Thursday February 3 at 11am.
Drivers had been alerted to possible changes during the first round in Abu Dhabi last week.
"We will be watching the weather and sea state very closely," said Mohammed Hareb, the race officer. "We have 19 entries from eight countries competing, which is a really good field especially with only four seconds dividing 1st and 2nd place."
Driver Arif al Zafeen and throttleman Nadir bin Hendi fuelled Fazza 3 to victory last Saturday completing the Abu Dhabi course in just over 31 minutes. Rashid Khalifah al Marri and Salem Fadhel al Hamli driving for Extreme Marine took second place.
The extreme 30ft catamarans are powered by two 280hp one-design outboard engines and are governed by the rules of the UIM, the international body for motorised watersports. The boats can reach speeds of 185kph.
There are four rounds in the championship. After this weekend's race, the next will be in Abu Dhabi on March 19 and the final will be held in Dubai on March 25.