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Smooth conditions on South Shore and a touch of 'beginners look' helped Johnny Guagain claim the first ever Round the Island Thundercat title.

The light-weight crew of Guagain and Luis Vieira were able to build up a huge lead in the calm conditions and then held off a strong challenge from the Lightbourne brothers as things got choppy around St. David's Head.

The Thundercats - the newest class in Round the Island - are twin-hulled inflatable boats that weigh less than 300lbs and are propelled through the water at speeds of up to 60mph by a 50cc motor.

Gaugain believes he and Vieira held the advantage in calmer waters because they carry less weight, enabling them to go faster.

"Luis is so light that it helped us get a little bit more speed up in the flat. We were able to open up quite a big lead on South Shore.

"It was more difficult for us in the choppier waters on North Shore. Every time we hit a wave we were almost flying out of the water."

Gaugain could feel the lead he had held the whole race slipping from his grasp as he struggled to retain control of the boat in the choppy waters around St. David's Head.

All the time Brian and Mark Lightbourne were closing in.

"The lead was down to about 100 feet. The waves were crashing in and we almost flipped the boat at one point.

"We just held on and things calmed down a little bit and we were able to pull away again.

"It was tough, physical race, but it was great to be the first winner. I have to thank my wife for letting me race and Luis for being such a great co-pilot.

"It was our first time going round so I think the win was down to a little bit of beginners' luck."

Lightbourne, who finished second - just over a minute behind, said he would be back to challenge next year.

"It was a great experience. It takes a lot of stamina to get round the island in these boats and there were a few aches and pains on Monday."

Patrick Stamper, the commodore of the Powerboat Association, and Roger Simmons came in third.

"It was like racing a motocross bike," said Stamper.

"Much more physical than racing a powerboat. We are a bit heavier and a bit older than the other guys so we were mainly going round to have fun and help get this class up and running."

Stamper believes the Thundercats will soon be one of the biggest classes in Round-the-Island.

And Lightbourne, who brought the boats to the island, said there had already been interest.

"We are looking to, possibly, bring in a few more boats and build up Thundercat racing in Bermuda. We've already looked into having a winter season and racing then in the rough water.

"Hopefully we'll start this year."

Thundercat Standings

1:20:22 Jonathan Gaugain and Luis Vieira

1:21:40 Brian Lightbourne and Mark Lightbourne

1:30:30 Patrick Stamper and Roger Simmons

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