powerboat racing is concerned that is.

For the gutsy driver figures his chances of again climbing to the top of the podium at the conclusion of tomorrow's Round the Island Race are the same as they were in 1995.

DeSilva took on the elements and won at that time, taming the beast that is South Shore in his tiny speedboat to take Class A and line honours for the first time during the event in a time of one hour, 39 seconds, having engaged in an intriguing two man dogfight with Jonathan Kemp for most of the 44.5 mile route.

And yesterday a decidedly upbeat DeSilva expressed optimism for a repeat showing. "I feel I stand just as good a chance as I did last year. My chances haven't changed much,'' said DeSilva, who this year will stand as the target at which everyone else shoots.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hope we have a good race and win it.

"Last year I kept (Kemp) in sight and that's how you drive a boat, you drive safe enough and fast enough to win and go for your class. I didn't realise we were in it for line honours until we rounded St. David's Head and found out that there was nobody in front of us.'' Having conquered the barrier surrounding the winner's circle, DeSilva has turned his attention to the record for Class A. However, any challenge to the mark would largely depend on conditions, especially along the dreaded South Shore.

Flat calm would be the want, but DeSilva was well aware of the more likely prospect of being saddled with choppy seas this weekend, ones which would inhibit such prospects.

"Looking at the weather I don't think it's going to be possible (the record),'' said DeSilva.

"If it's calm I would want to try for the A Class record, but if not then I would just look to win my class and whatever comes with that is a bonus.'' One boat has been added to the field following last weekend's postponement, with Paul Clinton adding his name to the list of Class D entries, raising the total number of boats to 24.

Racing gets underway at 2.00 p.m. with Class A, followed by Class B (2.07 p.m.), Class D (2.14 p.m.), Class C (2.17 p.m.) and Class S (2.22 p.m.).