Errin Butterfield and Shaki Easton took 2 class wins at Ferry Reach yesterday.

The ‘Duo’ were competing in the first powerboat racing event of 2017 organised by the Bermuda Power Boat Association (BPBA).

The start of the local season was delayed this summer by the 35th America’s Cup.

With extra time to prepare, Butterfield and Easton had a new rig built and race prepared in England and shipped to Bermuda just in time for the season opener.

Damon Simons who has 25 years of powerboat racing experience under his belt gave the crowds a scare during the first of two 30 minute races yesterday.

After turning his Mannerfelt Design Bat Boat over on Mark ? the former Around the Island Race class winner said;

I’m going to say it was driver error because I knew I was pushing the boat a little more into the corner than I normally do.

The wet but upbeat driver continued;

The damage looks worse than it is. We will be back out next race day if the fibreglass man can have it repaired by then. This is definitely not going to stop us from racing around the island in August!

Kim McCallan, BPBA Commodore commented after the racing;

It’s great to finally see the season underway. The club is looking forward to the next event (Date / Venue)

Butterfield and Easton were unavailable for comment after their wins, although new to powerboat racing, they are no strangers to celebrating.

Race 1

1st) A26 Shaki Easton and Errin Bilutterfield
2nd) A29 Matthew Smith and John Harrison
3rd) A9 Cleveland “Chicken” Maybury and Joshua Usher
4th) A65 Ryan Resendes and Josh Allen

1st) C941 Damon Simons and Aaron Cannonier
2nd) C007 Andrew Cottingham and Henry Talbot

DNS) D8 David and Mark Selley Jr

Race 2

1st) D007 Andrew Cottingham and Henry Talbot

1st) A26 Shaki Easton and Errin Butterfield
2nd) A9 Cleveland Maybury and Joshua Usher
3rd) A29 Matthew Smith and John Harrison

Photo: Bernews