yesterday's 30th running of the Round the Island Power Boat Race with a record-setting performance.

The bright red tunnel-hulled boat roared across the finish line to thunderous applause.

However, they were not the only record-breakers yesterday, with the first three finishers in the `A' Class bettering the previous best time.

Stoneham and Boyles had battled all week to get their Class `C' craft in shape, only to be rocked yesterday by the death of Boyles' mother. But, rather than not compete, Boyles decided to dedicate the race to his mother's memory and he did so in the best way possible... by winning.

"After the problems we've had, this race really ices the cake,'' said Stoneham.

It was the third triumph for Boyles in the summer spectacle -- he also won in 1990 teaming with Chris Smith.

The victorious pair broke the Class record they set last year by over three minutes, coming in at 37 minutes, 57.04 seconds for the 60-nautical mile course.

They were also first across the line, passing Class `A' winners Andrew DeCosta and Luis Martin near the Oil Docks at the east end.

DeCosta and former co-pilot Jason Pimental engaged in one of the day's more intriguing contests, DeCosta finishing 39 seconds ahead.

"Jason and Chris (Pimental) were on us all the way through, but we managed to push ahead near Five Star (Island),'' said DeCosta, who entered as the defending champion. "It was a fast race and the boat ran good. This one -- victory -- feels even better than the last one.'' The day proved a boon for defending champions as 1990 champ Howard Paynter likewise retained his title in the `B' Class.

Paynter and co-pilot Marvin Trott bettered their previous best time of 54:35.13 by almost three minutes, clocking in at 51:59.83.

A close second were Ian Whitehead and Jim Sword (52:34.42).

Patrick Stamper left his mark in the newly-created Class `D' for the deep `V' hulled boats, he and partner Dean Boorman turning in a 44:49.97 to take the honours.

Only two of the super-powered Class `S' monsters answered the starter's gun and when pre-race favourite Derek (Chicken) Simons was slowed by an electrical malfunction it left Kirk Roberts and Desmond DeShields a smooth path to victory. Roberts, in the class for the first time, came home in 38:22.51.

CELEBRATION SOAK -- Co-driver Luis Martin gets a congratualtory drenching after crossing the line at Ferry Reach, with driver Andrew DeCosta, to win the `A' Class of the round The Island Powere Boat Race.