Bermuda’s David Selley and Steven Bridges endured another frustrating outing while competing in the American Power Boat Association Offshore National Championship in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

The pair were in contention for a maiden podium finish at this level in the P1 Super Stock class in their 32-foot twin-engined catamaran but saw their hopes go up in smoke when a mechanical breakdown forced them to retire from the race.

“We had an awesome run going and we were running in second place in conditions very similar to South Shore on a good day with a rolling sea,” driver Selley told The Royal Gazette.

“It felt like home, so comfortable and boat set-up and balance was perfect.

“Everything was clicking and we had our first realisation that a podium finish was in reach, but unfortunately we started losing speed and ended up breaking a prop-shaft and losing the propeller.”

Reese Langheim won class honours with fellow Americans Sean Conner and Myrick Coil taking second and third at last Saturday’s Thunder on Cocoa Beach.

Selley and throttle man Bridges were fortunate to have even made it the start line after contending with a mechanical breakdown during a practice run.

“Our race was on Saturday and usually we race on the Sunday, which leaves more time if something happens in practice,” Selley added.

“Unfortunately, this was the case as top engine mounts failed on the port engine causing the driveshaft to break.

“We rallied together with the help of our team and other teams in the pits to get it fixed and just never gave up. We borrowed a gear case and got everything back together and were the last boat to the milling area with about two minutes to spare.

“It’s frustrating and we were not even looking like we were going to make the race, but we showed up and proved that we have what it takes to run up front against the best. Luck just wasn’t on our side and we did the best we could with what we had.

“There were eleven boats in our class and everyone raced with respect. Special thanks to the crew and the sponsors as without them nothing is possible and it takes a lot to make this happen.”

The local pair had high hopes upon their arrival in the United States.

“We were really looking to get on the podium,” Selley said.

“We did all of our homework and we have a strong package that can run up front for sure.”

Selley and Bridges were also left to ponder what might have been after race officials brought last month’s inaugural Marathon Florida and APBA season opener to an early halt due to high winds.

“You can’t do anything about the weather and we feel they made the right call,” Selley said.

“Obviously we were there to race and to not do so was frustrating for sure, but when you see a world and national champion like Gary Ballough turn his boat over in the twin 450 class within two laps it will humble you out. The wind was really up.”

The local pair got some consolation in magnaging some vital practice before organisers Race World Offshore pulled the plug on racing.

“We were ready to race, had two practice sessions and any time in the boat is valuable,” Selley said.

Selley and Bridges will have a busy year as they intend to compete in as many as eight races in the United States.

“Steven, myself and the whole team are super proud and excited to be a part of this deal,” Selley added. “It really is a dream come true to be competing at this level.

“Steven has many, many years experience running this class and this boat is far superior and safer than a 28’ skater.

“He controls the throttles and trim while my job is to hold the steering wheel, stay out of harm’s way and find clean water to get around the course as fast as possible.”