Somers Kempe's superb season continued over the weekend as the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club skipper steered Contest III to victory during Fitted Dinghy Match Racing in Hamilton Harbour.

Kempe and crew of Roger Mello, Rockal Evans, Oliver Riihiluoma and Douglas DeCouto safely navigated Contest III in trying conditions to convincing wins in the preliminary races to set up a head-to-head showdown with Challenger II in the final.

However, the much anticipated battle between Kempe and Challenger II skipper Martin Siese never materialised as the latter sank on the first downwind leg while pulling down his kite in the final to give his rival the spoils on a platter.

"It was pretty rough out there. We definitely had to work hard and the crew did a wonderful job," Kempe said.

Elizabeth, helmed by John Nicolls, also experienced that sinking feeling when she sank competing against Challenger II in the preliminaries.

Only three boats turned up for last Sunday's Match Racing event that was held amid the backdrop of the Tall Ships in the Island's port-of-call.

Kempe is competing in this year's Marion to Bermuda Race, which gets underway on Friday, as crew onboard Jonathan Brewin's 53-foot sloop, Big Bear.