No 7 could spell victory for Merri

Two-time world champion Mohammad Al Merri and last year's championship runner-up Abdullah Al Muhairbi have been given permission to change their boat's number from 77 to 7 in a bid to revamp their season, while at the same time paying tribute to a number synonymous with Victory Team success.

"Victory 7 has been associated with the team since its formation back in the 1980s," said Al Merri after testing off the Abu Dhabi Corniche yesterday.

Luck factor

"Names like the late, great Hamed Buheleba and former world champion Ali Nasser have driven Victory 7, while my first world title was won in Victory 7. Perhaps changing the number will bring us some luck!"

Despite this, Al Merri and Al Muhairbi will have their work cut out if they are to break-up the three-way battle for the Class 1 world title between Fazza, Victory 1 and Maritimo.