Bermuda’s Round-the-Island Powerboat Race, now one of the island’s most cherished sporting traditions, has a long and storied history. Since its inception in the early 1950s, this thrilling event has grown from a modest competition between local enthusiasts to a full-fledged island-wide spectacle. With its blend of speed, skill, and community spirit, the race is more than just a contest of powerboats; it’s a symbol of Bermuda’s enduring love for competition and adventure on the water.
The Round-the-Island Powerboat Race was first held in 1951, when a group of local marine enthusiasts, including Harry Cox, Charlie Berry, and Eldon Trimingham, formed the Outboard Ocean Racing Committee. Their goal? To create a race that would push Bermuda’s growing powerboat scene to new heights. The first event took place at Albouys Point, with competitors racing boats powered by 40-horsepower outboard engines, a modest but competitive class at the time.
After a brief hiatus, the race was revived in 1960 and has been held annually ever since, attracting boaters from all over the island. In the early 1960s, veteran racer Manuel Raposo remembered signing up for what he called the “first Round-the-Island” race with his brother. The duo built a boat “Yellow Bird” and went on to win, even in stormy seas. These early victories helped shape the event’s identity—one defined by determination, craftsmanship, and an unyielding spirit of competition.
The course for the inaugural race was significantly more challenging than the one used today. It took competitors around buoys in St. George’s Harbour, Ferry Reach, and even detoured five miles around the sunken freighter Wynchwood. Over time, the route was adjusted for safety, ease of navigation, and spectator accessibility. By the mid-2000s, the iconic loop around Harrington Sound was removed for safety reasons, and a new buoy was added near Flatts, keeping boats closer to the North Shore.
Today, the race still circumnavigates Bermuda, covering approximately 50 nautical miles. The course begins and ends at Ferry Reach in the East End of the island, with safety measures now more stringent than ever. The tragic deaths of racers like Geoff Smith in 1979 and Ken Dear in 1981 underscored the risks involved in high-speed racing, leading to the introduction of stricter safety regulations and revised emergency protocols that have helped protect competitors over the years.
From its inception, the Round-the-Island Race has seen significant changes in how boats are categorized. Initially, there was only one class for all boats, but as the event grew in popularity, organizers introduced various classes based on engine size and hull type. By the 2000s, boats were grouped into multiple classes, such as Powerboat A, B, C, D, and S, with each class racing at different times throughout the day. This made the race more inclusive, allowing boats of all types and sizes to participate.
In addition to the main race, new events were introduced over the years, such as a juniors’ race and even a jet-ski competition, further broadening the appeal of the event. Today, the program includes a range of categories, ensuring that everyone—from the youngest racer to the most seasoned veteran—can take part in the excitement.
Many of Bermuda’s early powerboat racing legends helped cement the Round-the-Island Race’s place in the island’s sporting history. Pioneers like Harry Cox and Richard “Dick” Christensen became household names, winning multiple times and setting the stage for future generations. Other prominent racers, such as “Tonky” Trott and Mike Marshall, also left their mark on the race’s legacy. By 2009, Mark Selley Jr., the son of two legendary powerboaters, became the youngest-ever winner at the age of 18, demonstrating that the tradition of excellence was being passed down to new generations.
Today, the Round-the-Island Race is not just a race—it’s a major event in Bermuda’s cultural calendar. For over 50 years, it has been a summer tradition, drawing spectators from across the island and beyond. The race is not only a showcase of speed and skill but also an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Bermuda’s maritime heritage.
In the past, media coverage and civic advisories reflected the importance of the event, with local news outlets providing extensive coverage and safety messages. The race is even considered by some to be as important as Bermuda’s Cup Match cricket festival, a testament to its place in the island’s sporting fabric.
However, like many long-standing traditions, this race has faced challenges in recent years, particularly with declining participation numbers. Some, like young champion Mark Selley Jr., have expressed concern about the future of the event, but the spirit of the race endures. It remains a testament to Bermuda’s deep love for the water and its rich history of powerboat racing.
The race may have started as a modest competition among friends, but over the decades it has grown into one of Bermuda’s most iconic events. Whether you’re a competitor, a spectator, or someone who simply enjoys the thrill of watching fast boats race by, the event offers a unique window into Bermuda’s cultural and sporting life. With its rich history, dedicated racers, and passionate fans, the Round-the-Island Race will continue to be a beloved tradition for many years to come.
