Seagull boat racing is an old Bermudian tradition involving two people in an extremely long, thin boat, in a four- to five-hour race around the island. The engines are usually four to six horsepower, and the pilot and co-pilot have to switch back and forth with one another, as their hands begin to numb from the constant vibrations of the engine. Normally the boats race around the island, however this year's big race is longer, as the boats will be expected to actually go into certain harbours.

On Saturday, the next Seagull boat race will be taking place. With a successful turn out of 45-48 boats entered last year, it is hoped there will be a similar crowd this year. The races get very competitive, as there are so many different classes and age groups, so that three or four people are in a class, making the race a tight one.

This year Brendan Amos, James Anfossi and Danielle Lightbourn, three Bermudian teenagers, will be involved. All three are looking forward to the race, as for Brendan it will be his third year participating, for James it's a newer experience, as it's only his second time and for Danielle she's looking forward to "getting very competitive" as this will be her last year participating in the race under the supervision of an adult.

Danielle explained, "In Seagull boat racing there are certain rules; you have to be 16 to race without an adult and I'm so irritated with this rule. I want to argue it within Bermuda, because in the New Zealand races there aren't any restrictions to under-16-year-olds, but rather a weight requirement."

Danielle is also very experienced, as she has been racing since the age of six, after her father introduced her to this competitive race. Currently, Danielle's boat is white plywood, number 13, designed by her dad; however Danielle is looking forward to next year when she can design her own boat. "I'm so excited to design my boat when I turn 16," she stated.

James added, "That's one of the best parts of (racing) Seagull boats, choosing and helping to make your own boat. It usually only takes two months to build your own, but it all depends how much time you put into it daily."

James got involved with racing last year, as his father and uncle have been racing for many years, and James was intrigued to try it out. So far, James has found that the most annoying thing with these boats is how noisy the engines are. "We have to wear earplugs, but the noise and the vibrations of the engines just make the boat more tippy. Thankfully I haven't tipped, that would slow us down for sure."

For James, being slowed down is not an option, as he is very competitive and loves to beat the older guys!

Brendan shares James' competitive nature, and added, "When everyone makes their boats, we spend so much time on trying to slim them down, or any way to make them go faster." Brendan's dad also introduced Seagull boat racing to him, and after two years Brendan enjoys the race for fun, but his competitive side still seems to be present. "Although you get really tired from steering the engines, and the noise is awful, it's all worth it," he observed. Brendan's boat is named Tomahawk and he'll be racing it in Saturday's June 13th race.

All three racers seemed very interested in competing overseas in the future. Danielle noted, "New Zealand, England and Bermuda are the only places I know of that have these races, and I am hoping to at least experience, if not be involved in a race in a few years."

Brendan agreed with Danielle, adding, "I think the overseas races would be really fun and exciting, with a great change of scenery." Although James thought it would be interesting, he thinks he'd rather "continue racing in Bermuda for now."

The races, held on June 13, start from Sandys Boat Club, the first class setting off at 8am and the last leaving at 1pm. They head west, keeping the island on the port side.