Lamu Island: annual New Year's Day dhow race

When we learned about the annual dhow race held on New Year's Day at Shela, we made plans to be there! Hassan (who had taken us snorkeling and prepared our picnic on the beach) was one of the contestants along with seven other crews and their boats.






These guys had quite the fun as they waited for the race to begin! I think they also enjoyed showing off for me :)

Spectators gathered from all around the archipelago to see this annual event take place.

Each team stood in a line near their boat, eagerly waiting for the signal to begin! The race organizers had to wait for the 'wind to wake-up' before giving the signal to start. And they were off, making a dash for their boats!

The boat from Peponi Hotel (the sponsors of the event) took 1st place, earning a nice cash reward. When they completed the race, they came back to where the spectators were and actually sank their boat, sail and all. Apparently it's a tradition! [Don't worry, the boat was okay, and was pulled up out of the water later.}

Here we are after the race with Hassan, and his brother. They were disappointed in their 5th-place finish, but we were impressed!

Never give up, indeed! I know they will back in the race again next year!

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"The nature of cross-cultural ministry can take a personal and relational toll. Missionaries must value their physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational health as much as they value the work they do. Surely we can grant permission for them to find appropriate respite from the rigors of their ministry. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a God-mandated necessity."
   ~ Michele Phoenix (author and speaker with international sensitivities)