Dubai: The Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) will be kick-starting the New Year with the first round of the Dubai Wooden Powerboat Race on Friday. The marine sports season 2017-18 will be opening with the participation of around 20 elite boats.

DIMC had put preparations for the race in place well in advance, and as per the released race schedule Thursday will see the Race Administration & Technical Safety Inspection and Time Limit for the boats scheduled from 10:00am-4:00pm, followed by the Official Pilot briefing at 4:30pm.

The following day, Friday, the race will be flagged off at 10:00am, but prior to that, is the Medical Check-Up at DIMC Race Department briefing room from 7:30am-8:30am, to be followed immediately by the Race Course Check at 9:00am. The time limit to leave the harbour for the muster area is 9:30am.

Friday then will be the day to see who among the participants will ace the first race of 2018.

Dubai Wooden Powerboat Championship Schedule: Race 1: Jan.5; Race 2: Jan.19; Race 3: Feb.2