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A bike accident to his son Reid has seen powerboat legend Craig Selley to get behind the wheel for this year's Round the Island Race.

Craig, a former five-time winner (see sidebar) will team with his youngest son Curt to compete in the FB Class. He said

He hasn't had any time to really prepare for the race.

"It's more of trying to make up some numbers, rather than it being a real serious effort," Craig said.

So what's it like to be able to race with his son?

"I'm just thrilled that we can participate together," Craig said. "That's really the biggest benefit of doing this to do something together while we are able to."

Selley encouraged both his sons to take part in the junior powerboat programme about six years ago - which is the same way he entered the sport in his youth.

Craig and Curt will be competing in a 20-foot Allison with a 150HP Evinrude motor

The boat is designed to be used in lakes rather than in the ocean.

"We've been using it since '99 to run in the ocean and, fortunately, we haven't broken it in two pieces. According to the manufacturer, when I showed him pictures of us running on South Shore, he was stunned," Craig said.

He added that the engine is 'environmentally friendly" and quiet.

Craig said his main goal was to finish the race - something he hasn't been able to do since his last win in 1982 (not that he's competed that many times since then).

"I just haven't been able to make it around in all my attempts since 1982," Craig said.

Curt was thrilled to be able to do his first Round the Island with his dad.

"It's like a Selley family tradition to go Round the Island."

Curt was too young to witness any of his dad's victories, but does remember Craig competing in some later races.

"I remember him going out the night before and staying out all hours of the morning to get the boat ready before the race," Curt said.

"I'm pretty excited. I've raced in the boat before, but not Round the Island so this should be pretty interesting."

Curt said the boat is set up to run in calm waters so they'll be hoping that Mother Nature cooperates on Sunday. "It's not really built for the rough stuff. South Shore should be a little bit sloppy, but hopefully North Shore will be nice so we can make a nice run."[[In-content Ad]]

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