Victory for Mercury engines at Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic

Mercury engines have driven home more than half-a-dozen winners at this year’s Bridge-to-Bridge Water Ski Classic.

The 112 kilometre marathon, which attracts the very best ski racers from around the world, winds along the beautiful Hawkesbury River from Dangar Island in Broken Bay to the historic town of Windsor.

And this year racers were faced with a wide range of conditions, from white caps and rough weather at the start, through to 40 degree heat and even some rain.

In the highly competitive SMOC category, Little Man took the honours in 49 minutes and 1 second, 21 seconds clear of the field, thanks in part to a 250hp OptiMax XS.

In Formula 2 competition all 11 competitors were Mercury-powered, but it was Team 50 and an OptiMax 300 XS which proved the superior combination on the day taking the chequered flag in 48.31.

With a Mercury Racing 1075sci sterndrive providing power and reliability, Prima Donna crossed the line 2 minutes 7 seconds ahead of the chasers in 46.17 to win the Women’s category.

There was a similar gap in the 200hp Class which saw only one boat break the hour mark. The OptiMax 200 ProXS-powered Messy Racing securing victory in 59 minutes 39 seconds.

The 99 Psycho Clowns team also continued its winning season with another two trophies.

99 Psycho Clowns F1 towed the winning Under 19 Boys home in 45.19, while its sister boat 99 Psycho Clowns clinched the Veterans title in 10.21 – both boats loaded with a Mercury Racing QC4V 1350.

“What’s great about these results is their breadth,” said Guy Williamson, Mercury’s Director of Service and Quality.

“In hugely competitive competition – one of ski racing’s biggest weekends – Mercury has secured wins with engines ranging from 200hp right through to 1350.

“Not only do we have the largest range of engines, all our engines are designed to perform whether you are pulling a skier or running across the bay.”