Kim McCallan has never been one to walk away from a challenge. So it was no surprise that the pilot grasped the opportunity to lead the Bermuda Power Boat Association.

McCallan ran unopposed for the commodore’s post at the association’s annual meeting at the Spanish Point Boat Club this week after Henry Talbot stepped down because of heavy work commitments.

“Talbot decided to step down which was unfortunate because he has been in the sport a while and has a lot of knowledge,” McCallan said. “It’s a thankless job and basically no one else wanted to do it. But I like a challenge.

“I think it’s nice to have a different face in a male-dominated sport. Everyone expects to see a man in that position but times have changed. If you look at a lot of other sports on the island, especially which involve water, you see a woman’s face there.”

McCallan is only the association’s second female commodore behind Sybil Young and first in 22 years

McCallan hopes to have America’s Cup staff involved in races. “They have shown an interest and so I would like to get them involved,” she said.

McCallan suggested that the 2017 season could start as early as April to avoid clashing with the 35th America’s Cup.

“This upcoming season will be a short season because we have America’s Cup next year,” she said. “We would have July and August is always a guarantee for us because of the Around the Island Race and possibly one or two race in September.”