Famous regatta makes a splash in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah - Professionals raced as early as 8am, while the Nehru Trophy Club Kerala snake boat race for novice ran from 2pm to 6pm.

Ras Al Khaimah's waters came alive on Friday as 15 teams rowed their boats out for the Nehru trophy race, which was held in the UAE for the first time.
The mini version of the most famous regatta in the south Indian state Kerala, Nehru Trophy Boat Race, was won by the Indian Association Club which rowed the Champakkulam Chundan boat.
The event was organised in collaboration with the RAK International Marine Sports Club, the government of Kerala and NMC Royal Medical Centre. Professionals raced as early as 8am, while the Nehru Trophy Club Kerala snake boat race for novice ran from 2pm to 6pm.
This race is similar to the famous regatta in Kerala, but instead of using snake boats, customised dragon boats that looked similar were used, said Arif Al Haranki, general manager of Marine Sports Club, UAE, and the rowing head at the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
Chief coordinator Riyas Kattil told Khaleej Times that while the track length of the Kerala race is 1.4km, the RAK event covered 250 metres.
Fifteen teams participated in the 250m race. Among the participants were the Indian Association Club's Champakkulam, Young Mens Congress Team Karichal & Valiya Deewanji, Nanma Rak Team Payippad, Kerala Samajam Team Nadubhagam, World Malayalee Council Team Karuvata, Yuvalakala Sahithi team Kavalam, Chethana Team Cheruthana and other non-Malayalis.
"Each team included 22 paddlers, while eight teams from Kerala chipped in," Kattil said. The winning team went home with a "real snake boat model trophy, made of wood".
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah