Washington, November 08 (QNA) - The Qatari team Spirit of Qatar 96, commanded by HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and his British co-pilot Steve Curtis, reignited its dominance in offshore powerboat racing after a ten-year sabbatical, clinching the second round of the “Extreme” class at the 44th Annual Offshore World Championship in Key West, Florida, USA.

Not content with merely dominating the inaugural race at the Truman Waterfront Cup mid-week, the duo took a victory lap of success, ascending once again to the top step of the podium in the second major showdown, the Southernmost Continental Championship, amassing 101 points and establishing a commanding 22-point lead over their nearest rivals before heading into the final and decisive Conch Republic Championship.

Supported by the Ministry of Sport and Youth, the Qatari outfit delivered an exemplary performance. Sheikh Hassan and Curtis steered the legendary hull Spirit of Qatar 96 to victory over the American Custom Marine pairing of Jeff McCann and Mickael Knoblock by a margin of 2 minutes 59.7 seconds, posting the fastest lap in each of the six laps.

The Key West World Championship comprises three major races: first the Truman Waterfront Cup, then the Southernmost Continental, and culminating in the Conch Republic title decider, all bundled into one intense week of competition.

Reflecting on the triumph, Sheikh Hassan expressed profound excitement at securing back-to-back victories and pledged to press on toward sealing the overall world title.

Today's race was strong throughout having encountered early challenges, but the shifting conditions played into hands, and the rivals simply could not match the rhythm, HE Sheikh Hassan said in press remarks.

He stressed that the flawless execution and mechanical integrity of their craft will serve as a springboard for full-season participation next year, no longer limiting the campaign to the US leg alone.

This year's Key West festival attracted a record-breaking 96 boats, a clear indicator of rising global engagement in the sport. (QNA)