Janae Nesbitt is looking forward to what promises to be one of the most thrilling powerboat racing seasons in recent memory.

The Bermuda Power Boat Association commodore and her fellow executive committee members have been busy in recent months implementing various initiatives as part of an ambitious mandate to raise the sport’s profile and ensure its sustainability.

Among the new additions this year are three new classes, the reintroduction of the Hamilton Harbour inshore race and a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda.

“As a newly registered charity, this season I am expecting to see the association make strides with the formation of new partnerships with our local sponsors,” Nesbitt told The Royal Gazette.

“We are looking to breathe some fresh air into the association and bring more awareness to who we are as a club and what we can offer to our community in the way of recreational sports.

“We want to grow the sport as much as possible while keeping it accessible for anyone interested in being a part of the culture. The main target is to be better than last year and to take a step towards progress at every event.

“We aim to be more present on all social media platforms, keeping the public updated with what we have going on, so keep an eye on us.”

Nesbitt is particularly thrilled over the new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda.

“One of the major new additions to the 2023 race season is the partnership with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda to offer our junior racing programme as an extracurricular activity for their youth programme,” she added.

The junior crown counsel is equally as keen to enhance the association’s youth programme, during her term as commodore with a view to bolstering and sustaining its membership over the long haul.

“The BPBA has been around since the 1950s so there is already a lot of history within the association,” Nesbitt said. “Therefore, whilst I sit in the seat of commodore, my vision would be to continue growing the association.

“I, like many others, believe this starts with our youth. Our goal is to create opportunities for Bermuda’s youth, who will be provided first-class equipment that is current with the rest of the world while also being given the opportunities to learn and hone their maritime skills.

“When it comes to jet ski racing, which falls under the banner of the BPBA, and our senior racing classes, my vision is to see anyone who own jet skis and race boats to come out and put their equipment to the test.”

The 2023 season will run from May 21 until October 22 with members to compete among nine classes.

“There are a total of nine classes with this year seeing the introduction of 3 new classes,” Nesbitt added.

“The AV Class and the BV Class will consist of boats with v-hulls only.

“You won't see any bat boats, cats, etc racing in AV and BV class. Those boats will continue to run in the A-Class and B-Class categories.

“The Bermuda Personal Watercraft Association will also introduce the recreational class allowing for lighter engines to compete on race days in addition to the stock and modified classes already in place.”

Back this year is the Wedco National Championships three-race series to be held at Cross Island, Dockyard, and the prestigious Rubis Around the Island Race.

“We are extremely excited for this upcoming season because I cannot wait to see what our junior racers have in store, since last year we saw a lot of night flying action,” Nesbitt said.

“I also cannot wait to see what new boats come out to race this year, which ones will come back out to compete for the three titles on the line and just the all-around banter that power boat racing brings.

“Boat racing is all about the skill the racers possess and the thrill of the spectators watching them and it comes with an adrenalin rush.

“The experience of inshore racing is the part of racing you don’t want to miss. Whether you're on the shore or in the boat, you're always flying by the seat of your pants. Making the races even for all and exciting to watch is our goal.”

Nesbitt is only the third woman to hold the position of commodore and is the first since Kim McCallan stepped down in 2018.

She ran unopposed for the top post after predecessor Robert Cardwell opted not to seek re-election during the association’s annual general meeting last November.

Since then Nesbitt has made a smooth transition thanks to the support of her fellow colleagues.

“I think I have settled in well to my role as madam commodore,” she added. “Having the experience with the club for numerous years in other capacities has prepared me well.

“However, I also would be remiss to not mention that I wouldn't have had such an easy transition without the team I have rallying behind me.

“We have put in a lot of work to make things happen for this upcoming season and I cannot wait to see our hard work pay off.“

For more details visit the association’s Facebook page and instagram account.