Mermaid secures 150 Match Racing title

Macdonald Mermaid won this afternoon’s P1 150 Match Races to claim pole position for tomorrow’s first championship race and also scooped a fabulous Swiss watch prize courtesy of  SuperStock sponsor Edox.

Macdonald Mermaid lined up against Team Fox in the final and although they both one a leg each, the former won on fastest time. For husband and wife team David and Kirsty Toozs-Hobson victory was sweet after having to miss the opening round in Jersey due to business commitments.

“Match racing is great fun and really got my heart pumping,” commented David. “To win on our return to the championship is a great feeling, especially as we have had no time to go testing.”
Pilot David thought his driving style may have been a factor in finding the speed to win. “I felt we gained time by being smooth and letting the boat run through the corners to keep the speed up.”
Although just edged out in the final Team Fox driver Martin Colligan was pleased with his result and chances in tomorrow’s main event. “It was very interesting as at the beginning of the heats the left hand lane was faster but then as the conditions on the water changed it became the right lane that had the speed. I think it showed how closely matched all the boats are to each other meaning tomorrow’s races should be very close.”

Surprise semi –finalists were Black Magic, crewed by father and daughter Vince and Jade Berridge, after they defeated Aztec Racing in the heats. Sadly Black Magic hit a marker bouy in its semi-final against Macdonold Mermaid and was therefore eliminated but their speed today bodes well for Sunday’s points-scoring rounds. In the other semi-final Team Fox defeated Team Sparks.