Tim Jacobs wins the 2008 Dubai Shamaal (Pic: Alain Jaques)
Hot & Flat

The Aussies are back with a vengeance, taking three of the top five spots in today's US$130,000 Dubai Shamaal Surfski race.

The day started with an encouraging wind from the WNW but it died as the fleet arrived at the windward buoy and the race became a hard, hot slog back to the mainland.

The start of the race was problematic as the paddlers kept false starting - but the starter eventually got the fleet away and Aussie Jeremy Cotter charged immediately with Hank McGregor in close pursuit.

Thule Gates

Jeremy was first past the Thule gates, earning product and $1,000 in the process. The two men were leading by about 50m at the turn but things fell apart for the number one seed, Hank McGregor, at that point when he took a line too close to shore, leaving the rest of the field to benefit from the cleaner waves further out to sea.

Tim Jacobs and a delighted Clint Pretorius at the finish (Pic: Alain Jaques)
Taking the Right Line

As Cotter tired, Tim Jacobs came through to lead the race. South African Clint "Lightee" Pretorius, meanwhile, taking the advice of local paddlers, headed out to sea on the extreme left of the fleet. As the race approached the harbor, Clint moved to within 30m of Tim Jacobs, but he just couldn't overtake the big Australian.

As Jacobs crossed the line he launched his paddle like a javelin and lifted his arms in triumph...

In the women's race, Australian Kirsty Holmes took the women's Thule Gate, but wasn't strong enough over the distance to hold off the South African duo of Michelle Eray and Alexa Cole.

Michelle Eray won the women's race. (Pic: Alain Jaques)
The first junior across the line was Grant van der Walt.

Grant vd Walt - Juniors winner (Pic Alain Jaques)
Race Video

Results:

Men

Tim Jacobs (Aus)
Clint Pretorius (SA)
Jeremy Cotter (Aus)
Caine Eckstein (Aus)
Dawid Mocke (SA)
Women

Michelle Eray (SA)
Alexa Cole (SA)
Kirsty Holmes (Aus)
Juniors

Grant vd Walt (SA)
Luke Chalupsky (SA)
Jayden Alford-Loots (SA)

Results - Men

Results - Women