Sir Steve Redgrave takes to Dubai's waters

DUBAI // Sir Steve Redgrave, a five-time Olympic gold medallist in rowing, took to the water yesterday in some of Dubai's finer vessels.
First he was a passenger on the Team Victory's class one powerboat, which calls the Dubai International Marine Club home. Then he joined a six-man crew in a traditional rowing boat.
Sir Steve said afterwards that rowing the traditional boat, a 28-foot vessel called The Defence, was different than the kind of sporting experience he was accustomed to.
"It's probably the oldest type of boat I have ever ridden in. Ours are a little bit thinner and a little bit longer and faster. What we have in our rowing boats are sliding seats. You are using your legs a lot more than your back and arms," Sir Steve said.
The famed athlete's experience was evident, said Ali Ismail, a crewman on The Defence.
"He was very comfortable in the boat," Mr Ismail said. "Usually, people are a bit nervous when they first get in the boat, but he was very calm and knew what he was doing.
"I could really feel the power when he rowed. Most people tire very quickly when they row like that, but he kept going."
The pilot of Team Victory's powerboat, Nader bin Hendi, took Sir Steve - who is in Dubai to promote the London Olympics - on a quick ride around Logo Island.
Dressed in an orange helmet and green inflatable life jacket, Sir Steve praised the ride after emerging from the tight cockpit.
"The Class One boat was my favourite," said the Briton, who competed in five Olympic Games, from 1984 through to 2000.
The powerboat has a top speed of 250kph, but they took it easy, hitting a top speed of 90kph.
eharnan@thenational.ae