Round The Island champs will not defend their crown

Round The Island Race champs Mark and David Selley will not defend their title this year after pulling out of the contest due to school commitments.

Last year the twins claimed overall line honours in their B Class phantom after withstanding a late surge from former champion Andy Stoneham.

Brian Smith, Bermuda Power-boat Association commodore, said they did not want to interrupt their studies abroad.

Education

He added: “They are trying to finish up their studies and felt it wasn’t worth coming down for the weekend to race because they didn’t have the time to get their boat set up to do any testing.

“It’s sad but school comes first — without education you are not going anywhere and this is something they do understand.” This year’s race will see one of the largest fleet of rookie drivers put their skills to the test during the BPA’s signature event.

A host of rookies are among the fleet competing in seven classes, from the electrifying S Class to the subtle Thundercats.

Despite their limited ­experience in this event, Smith reckons the newbies are up to the challenge — weather permitting.

He said: “Ninety per cent of the boats on the track this year are going to be run by rookies.

“They will be alright because they have proven to be capable of running their equipment and being competitive.

“Basically they are pumped up and ready to go.”

Those making their race debut include father-and-son duo Gregg Simons and Gregg Focke in the smaller A Class and fisherman-turned-powerboat enthusiast Tonka Simpson in the FB Class with co-driver Teko Bean.

Contenders

Expected to mount a serious challenge for the Selleys’ crown is the father-and-son team of Stephen and Brendon DeSilva, who have ruled the surf in their FB Class powercraft.

Smith said: “They have dominated the whole field this season and are among the top contenders for overall line honours.”

The powerboat chief reckons the significant increase in entries for this year’s race is thanks to the committee’s ­dedication to raising the sport’s profile.

Smith said: “The committee is very encouraged — we have put a lot of hard work in trying to get the numbers up.

“It is an encouraging sign for all the hard work that has been done by the committee and we hope to have a very good day.”

Spectators have been urged to adhere to the rigid safety measures put in place.

Smith said: “Hopefully the spectators are cooperative to what we are trying to achieve as far as staying out of the race lanes, especially since we have implemented extra safety ­measures to ensure the safety of the drivers and the public.

“We are asking the public to please adhere to any race ­marshall who asks them to do things which will make it safe for everyone.”