Inspector Robert W. Cardwell - The Bermuda Police Service is once again pleased to partner with the Bermuda Power Boat Association to ensure the safety of participants and the boating public for the Round-the-Island Powerboat Race that is scheduled for this coming Sunday – 9th August. The Bermuda Police Service will be working closely with the Bermuda Powerboat Association executive members and their race course Marshalls.
The participants in the race have skills in racing powerboats which they have been rehearsing throughout the season with regular meets at the Ferry Reach. The round-the-island powerboat race offers excitement to the boating public, but it is necessary to ensure that all mariners take steps to assist us with safety.

• Be mindful that any wake thrown in the area of the race course can have a disastrous effect to the participants who are racing and who are travelling at speed.
• Ensure that when positioned near the race course to watch the race, that you keep a safe distance from the race path itself. Allowances must be made for participant error and/or unforeseen circumstances that can cause a race boat to veer off course.
The Bermuda Marine Board has issued a notice to mariners and have closed some sea passages for the duration of the race or until opened by police. They are:
• The passage between Ferry Point and Coney Island at the Ferry Reach pylons between 1:25pm and 3:30pm
• The passage between Hinson’s Island and the Paget Mainland between 1:45pm and 3pm.
• The passage between Five Star Island and the Southampton mainland between 1:45 and 3pm.
In addition speed limits normally governing marine traffic inshore have been lifted for boats participating in the race only. Participants are those who have registered with the Bermuda Power Boat Association.
The Bermuda Powerboat Association is deploying a number of civilian registered boats to act as race course Marshalls. They will be readily identifiable as they will be flying a red flag. The boating public must adhere to instructions given by race course Marshalls who will be supported by Marine Police. An offense is created by not adhering to instructions given or by operating a power-craft in a dangerous manner.
We wish all participants in the race the best of luck and we look forward to ensuring that the boating public have an enjoyable, safe afternoon watching the race.