Bermuda’s sailors thrust themselves into contention to qualify for the Star Sailors League Gold Cup after winning the only race on the second day of competition in Rio de Janeiro.

Bermuda, competing under the name The Privateers, came out on top after a thrilling final downwind leg, holding the fast-finishing Mexico to cross the line just two seconds clear of their rivals after 35 minutes of racing.

“It was super exciting, super shifty and it was really tight racing,” said helm Mikey Wollman immediately after the race.

“We were really glad to come out firing in this race after yesterday.”

Bermuda looked booked for second for much of the race until Cuba found all sorts of problems in hoisting their spinnaker their last time, allowing the team in pink to pass them and pick up a much needed four points.

“These boats are challenging to sail,” Wollman said. “You have to take advantage of some moments and pick up points where you can. We had a bad start in yesterday’s second race, so today we really wanted to make sure that we won and we managed to do that, so we’re really happy.”

Victory in the third of the six-race series leaves Bermuda in second place in the four-team group on eight points, level with Cuba. Both those teams trail Mexico by two points, with El Salvador bottom on four points.

Only the group winner is guaranteed a spot in the Gold Cup, with the teams finishing second and third heading into a final race with the teams finishing second and third in the other Pan American group to determine the final Gold Cup qualifier.

Bermuda are next in action on Saturday, with one race taking place.