position as the man to beat, as he powered his way to four straight wins in the first set of races of the Bermuda Powerboat Association's National Championship closed circuit series yesterday.

Competing in the SST 45 Class aboard his 12-foot, California-built Hoffman, Tavares drove virtually unchallenged in all four heats.

Such was the dominance of Tavares, who was also first in the previous set of races held on May 3, that he led every lap of each heat.

Second-place honours went to Stephen Moniz in his Giant Foods boat with Scott Lopes rounding out the top three.

Meanwhile, with speeds reaching upwards of 85 miles per hour, Kurt Benevides along with co-pilot David Carey guided their Tunnel Hull machine to the winner's circle in `C' Class of the offshore racing.

Following home the first pair were Michael Araujo and Eugene Bothelo with Craig and Andrew Nesbitt third.

Patrick Stamper and Dean Boorman were head of the `D' Class, featuring the `V' Hulls. Clyde Boorman and Craig Johnson were second.

Andrew Madeiros and Louie Martin took the `A' Class for boats with an engine capacity 65 cubic inches and under; Ian Whitehead and female co-pilot Carol Ray were tops in the `B' Class (up to 110 cubic inches), while Kevin Stevens and Derek Simons were the lone competitors in the monster `S' Class (unlimited).

DOUBLE TROUBLE -- Kurt Benevides and co-pilot David Carey seen guiding their tunnel hull craft to victory in `C' Class of the Bermuda Powerboat Association's National Championships yesterday.