Delma Marine tipped as favourites in powerboat race

Dubai: Delma Marine, winners of the inaugural round will start as the favourites for the second round of the X-Cat World Powerboat Series to be held at the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) today.

Delma Marine, with the experienced pairing of Rashid Al Merri and Salem Fadil Al Hamli, took victory in a 22-boat field at the opening round of this new series at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) last week.

"Last week we witnessed how the superior experience of Rashid and Salem counted. But this week is the second race and there are a lot of competent pairings out there who can make a difference," said Saeed Hareb, the managing Director of DIMC.

The X-Cat World Powerboat Series has a total prize fund of Dh1.6 million.

It is being organised by the UAE Marine Sports Federation with sponsorship and cooperation between the DIMC and ADIMSC under the aegis of the Dubai-based World Professional Powerboat Association (WPPA).

This weekend will have 22 boats participating in the second round of the six-round competition series. At least 15 countries are being represented at the race.

"One of the highlights of these championships is the tremendous response it has generated from the competitors. We expect this number to grow even further," Hareb said.

"We have a vision to create the biggest and the most successful international racing class in the world, and I think we have made a good start towards this goal," he added.

The new series is being run according to the rules and regulations laid down by the WPPA for Class III powerboat racing competitions.

Boats are being allowed to be fitted with transponders for the live virtual system to enable better race management and safety.