Team Abu Dhabi’s reigning XCAT World Champions Shaun Torrente and Faleh Al Mansoori began the defence of their title with a superb victory in the Grand Prix of Italy today.
Starting race one in third place after the qualifying shoot out, Torrente and Al Mansoori in Abu Dhabi 4 held off a big challenge from Australians Tom Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton in Maritimo.
The Dubai Police combination of Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir Bin Hendi took the third podium place on Lake Maggiore in Stresa while Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori in Abu Dhabi 5 finished in fifth position.
The XCATS return to the water at mid-day tomorrow for official practice before the decisive second Grand Prix race gets under way at 5.20pm.