The annual Around the Island race was cloaked in sadness as many remembered powerboat racer Stuart Smith who died during last year's event.

A drop in spectators and racers was also noticeable with at least one spectator blaming it on the long election campaign and the steamy political soap opera which followed.

For many of the spectators, racers and organisers in attendance, the day was dedicated to Mr. Smith. The 34-year-old - known as Stu - died when his boat hit a wave and nosedived into the water. The New Zealander was known as a free spirit who lived his life for adventure.

Bermuda Power Boat Association (BPBA) commodore Chris Roque said: "We raced under a black flag for Stu. We did it for him - he would have wanted the race to go on."

When asked to comment about the drop in participants, Roque said: "We know that some could not race because of other commitments and some for monetary reasons."

Many of the spectators and competitors said the race was the quietest they had ever seen, but many figured that the crowds and racers would be back next year.

Spectator Matthew Moulder blamed a lack of publicity and afternoon summer parties for the drop in spectators.

"They didn't advertise it and I only found out through word of mouth on Wednesday," said Mr. Moulder.

"I didn't know it was this weekend - I think they need to do more with the event. It could be a family fun day to make it more exciting.

"Perhaps they need more people to volunteer because the sport is expensive.

"Maybe they could also have low level racing so that more people can become involved."

The only woman to compete in the event, Sonia Baptiste-Soares, came in ninth in the jet ski division. She said the event needed more sponsorship.

"We do it for the guts and glory - there is no prize money to be had," said Mrs. Baptiste-Soares.

"Over the last couple of years new safety regulations have been introduced and it is an expensive sport and it's sometimes hard to keep equipment up.

"So some people take part in races every other year because of the expense."

Third place winners in the powerboat race, Vincent Belboda and Clive Hook, described this year's race as "nice and safe".

Mr. Belboda dedicated the win to his mother-in-law, Vernette Condor, who died recently and was a staunch supporter of the race. Richard and Jesse Correia, who took second place in the power boat race, believed larger crowds would return next year. "Money is an issue for many people, it would be nice to receive funding from Government so that the sport can continue."

Personal Watercraft Association of Bermuda race director Charmaine Smith downplayed the drop in spectators and called in a "fantastic day".