The Bermuda Power Boat Association has strongly urged the boating public to exercise “extreme caution” during inshore racing in Hamilton Harbour tomorrow.

The announcement comes in the wake of two separate incidents this season that saw the safety of competitors put at risk after pleasure craft strayed on to the racecourse.

“We urge the public to take extreme caution when entering Hamilton Harbour,” Janae Nesbitt, the BPBA, commodore, told The Royal Gazette.

“The jet-ski and boat course will run from the Flagpole out towards Doctor’s Island, Reid Island and Spectacle Island and Saltus Island and back towards the Flagpole.

“There will 30 minutes between the junior race and the jet-ski race if boaters need to move across the course, and 20 minutes between the jet-ski race and the boat race.

“Both the jet ski and boats will race a 20 minute timed heat and, as such, we are asking the public to respect the marine notice and coastguard that will be in effect to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The Harbour Master’s office has also advised those operating pleasure craft through Hamilton Harbour to adhere to the safety measures in place for the event.

“Everybody operating through Hamilton Harbour needs to know there’s a high-risk event going on, so slow down to reduce wake for the period of time indicated,” a spokesperson said.

“Be vigilant for power boats operating at high speed and turning at high speed, like Doctor’s/Spectacle Islands, where 90 degree course changes are required trying to follow the racecourse.

“It will be legally possible to transit the harbour on the north and south sides.

However, again do so with due regard for race boats, use extreme caution and ensure minimal wake.”

Competitors were forced to take evasive action to avoid colliding into a pleasure craft that ventured on to the racecourse during the BPBA’s season opener at Ferry Reach in May.

Their safety was again put at risk by heavy marine traffic on the racecourse at last month’s Wedco National Championships in Dockyard.

Sunday’s racing in Hamilton Harbour is being held in conjunction with the Motor Fest 441 on Front Street, with the BPBA’s junior competitors kicking things off at noon followed by jet ski racing at 1.20pm and power boat action at 2pm.