Steven Bridges and David Selley did Bermuda proud on their debut in the United States at the weekend.

The local pair punched well above their weight on the way to an impressive fourth place in the Super Stock class at the Baystar Clearwater Offshore Nationals in Clearwater, Florida, on Sunday.

Given their lack of experience and the limited time to acclimatise to the complexities of the 32-foot twin engined catamaran, the crew were proud of their performance.

“It was a dream come true,” Bridges, the boat owner and throttle man, told The Royal Gazette. “I have been racing in Bermuda for 25 years and it has always been a dream of ours to race out here in the United States and we were able to make it happen.

“We put it together pretty quickly so it was a big learning curve for us. The boat was set up by Shaun Torrente [two-times Formula 1 powerboat world champion] but obviously not running equipment like his props and stuff like that.

“It’s definitely different than running a 28 skater and we were proud to be out here representing Bermuda and having fun. We had a good time and we will take a top-five finish every day.”

The local pair started the race conservatively before gradually switching over to full racing mode.

“We tried to run a wide line and just stay out of trouble at first but then we got more racy and were chipping away,” driver Selley said.

“We had some sticky situations and close calls in the turns. Just getting familiar with the boat from running in other people’s boat wake is a big challenge.

“In this class it’s different; it’s two people so it’s give and take. It’s tricky and you have to be confident in each other’s ability.

“You both have each other’s life in your hands and dealing with ten boats running ten abreast coming down for the green flag was just wild.”

Bridges and Selley narrowly missed out on the podiumafter competing in an eleven-lap race spread on a four-mile course.

“We almost finished third,” Bridges said. “We could have had a podium; maybe a couple of more laps and we would have had them.”

Selley added: “We were so concentrated on finishing third that I think we actually did an extra lap thinking that we had got third place, but it wasn’t the case.

“Racing in Bermuda is one thing, but out here we were rookies and we are learning the boat together and it was just an awesome experience.

“We are so thankful for the opportunity and just impressed with the boat. The boat is like an F1 car on water.

“It’s just an amazing machine and being strapped and having oxygen and a five-point harness is a whole different experience. You feel so safe.

“It was completely a dream come true and just surreal. It didn’t even feel like it was happening.

“From here we are just hungry and I wish there was another race today.”

Bridges and Selley are gracious to all those who helped them realise their dream of competing overseas.

“We have a lot of people in our corner back home supporting financially and to make this happen,” Selley said.

“I want thank the people involved who made this possible. We really could not have been here without them and they know who they are.”

Bridges added: “A lot of people back home helped us get to where we are, and it’s just awesome to be out here racing and having fun.”

Robert Cardwell, the Bermuda Power Boat Association commodore, hailed the pair’s outstanding display on behalf of the organisation’s executive committee.

“Steven Bridges and David Selley gave it their all clearly with very stiff competition,” he said.

“The BPBA is very proud of both for venturing beyond our shores in a well-loved sport.”