[Editor: The richest surf ski race in history is about to take place in Dubai...  This article gives some idea of who these people in Dubai are, and the conditions in which the Shamaal may be run...]

Christie O'Higgins - Fenn Cup Ladies Winner (Pic: Alan Norton)

The 2^nd Fenn Cup was held in typical warm sunny Dubai conditions with a pleasant 8-10 knot wind blowing directly onshore.

Dubai Paddling School and DSKC

The 2-race series was initiated and organized by the Dubai Paddling School, and strongly supported by Dubai Surfski and Kayak Club with the idea of preparing the paddlers of Dubai both mentally and physically for the Dubai Shamaal, the richest, most hotly contested race on the planet, which is going to be thrashed out in their back pool.

The 2 lap, 14km "sausage" course saw the paddlers make their way out into the wind to a cardinal buoy just off the now infamous "World" group of islands and then return to shore with the wind at their backs. 

Sponsor "Al Boom, Beyond the Beach" put out the sprint prize of "SKINZ" for the first paddler to reach a buoy set 300 meters from the start.  "Dunnos" Dunstan hearing that the prize consisted of tight fitting garments set out at a blistering pace to claim the hotspot.

Innovative Water Start 

Race referee Haydn Holmes came up with a novel way of starting the race by basing it on a yacht race start, so if you timed and positioned yourself correctly you could come tearing out with a "running" start.

Boyan Zlatarev and Pete O'Higgins face off at the start (Pic: Alan Norton)

Boyan Zlatarev and Pete O Higgins quickly established themselves as the lads to catch and started to open up a gap on the field.  The ever hard chasing "Dogg" Fenton did not give up the hunt but the hares up front proved too nippy for him.

Local 15 year old Stuart Gordon showed that he is going to have be closely watched in the future with a strong and high placed finish.

Gavin Dickinson showing extraordinary style - the 'Bartinson Mould'?

Ladies Race

On the ladies side Christie O' Higgins ensured that bedroom talk with her husband Pete would be on slightly better than equal terms as she lead the ladies field home from Dawn Montgomery and Paula Mulligan.
 

Fenn Lucky Draw

With all the paddlers (hopefully) feeling satisfied with their performances they all hung around to see if they were to be the lucky paddler to win the "Fenn Cup" draw for a brand new Fenn Carbon Mako6.

Carlo Cottino won the Carbon Fenn Mako6 Prize Draw (Pic: Alan Norton)

After the drum roll President of D.S.K.C Wayne Randal stirred the names around and picked out the lucky paddler... Carlo Cottino...  was super stoked and delighted that the gods were looking down on him for the day and walked away as the happy winner. In Carlo's words, "I can't believe this, I have never won anything in my life and to win this wonderful ski is just absolutely unreal."

(Photos below courtesy of Alan Norton)

Race Briefing Race Briefing

Christie OHiggins showing style Christie OHiggins showing style

Dawn Montgomery Dawn Montgomery

Graeme Fenton Graeme Fenton

Fenton again Fenton again

Race StartRace Start

Looking forward to the Shamaal

The paddlers are now gearing themselves for the 30^th. November, their chance to mix it up with the "big boys" in the super charged Shamaal race.   

Good luck to all who are paddling the Shamaal , its going to be an awesome event and experience.

Results Summary 

Male

Female

For more info, see: www.dskc.net

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