The Bermuda Police Service will be working with the Bermuda Power Boat Association to ensure safety at this Sunday’s Rubis Around The Island Power Boat Race.

More than 20 boats will take to starting line at Ferry Reach at 2pm.

At a press conference this afternoon, Police Inspector, Robert Cardwell explained that it is necessary to ensure that all mariners take steps to assist the BPS with safety.

He said: “Be mindful that any wake thrown in the area of the racecourse can have a disastrous effect to the participants who are racing and who are travelling at speed.

“Ensure that when positioned near the racecourse 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 also 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.

Insp Cardwell added: “In addition speed limits normally governing marine traffic inshore have been lifted for boats participating in the race only — those who have registered with the Bermuda Power Boat Association.”

There will be 6 classes participating in the race this year A, B, C, D and S and 1 Thundercat.

The race begins at Ferry Reach and proceeds through the Pylons at Coney Island, along North Shore and around a buoy off Gibbets Island. Boats continue along North Shore and around Hog Fish Beacon through, Two Rock Passage and around Whites Island, from there, boats continue along the Harbour Road shoreline, around Buoys at Five Star Island, along to Commissioner’s Point, around Daniels Head and on to South Shore.

Continuing along South Shore to St. David’s Head then around St. Catherine’s Point, Down North Shore and back to Ferry Reach for the finish.

Vice Commodore of the Bermuda Power Boat Association, Kim McCallan, said: “This year the Power Boat Race is being sponsored by Rubis Energy who have graciously put up a $7,000 prize money for the event.

“I would like to thank the crash boat volunteers and all of the volunteers at Ferry Reach and all of our community partners.

“It should be noted the race will be Broadcasted on FM89 and we are appealing for everyone to come out and be a part of this awesome event.”