Andy Stoneham and Luis Martin secured a top ten finish competing in their brand new boat at the Race World Offshore Key West World Championships in Key West, Florida, yesterday.

The Bermudian pair finished ninth among the 14-strong Super Stock class in their new 32-foot twin-engined Doug Wright catamaran, S12 Nuff Said Bermuda.

Driver Martin and throttleman Stoneham were originally scheduled to make their debut in their new boat at the Clearwater Offshore Nationals in the Gulf of Mexico in September which was postponed owing to Tropical Storm Helene.

Meanwhile, also flying Bermuda’s banner in the same class in Florida yesterday were compatriots Steven Bridges and David Selley, who endured misfortune after being forced to withdraw from the race due to mechanical issues.

“Not a good result today; started in fifth position but knew from jump something was wrong,” Bridges told The Royal Gazette.

“The boat was only doing about 70-75 mph and alarms going off. Motors kept going in guardian mode.

“Couldn’t clear the fault and smelled fuel in the cockpit, so made the decision to pull out of the race. Looks like a throttle actuator issue but haven’t figured the fuel issue yet.”

The two local teams will be back in action tomorrow (Sunday) when racing resumes.