After a day spent watching the roaring majesty of powerboats and jetskis tearing through Ferry Reach in blazing sunshine, all should be grateful that inclement weather pushed the event back a week.

Following the 2002 tragedy that claimed the life of Stuart Smith, no risks could be taken last week when winds stirred up Bermuda?s waters.

Even though ten-foot waves did arrive to upset the competitors along South Shore, the weather was nothing short of perfect for those who lined up along Kindley Field Road yesterday to enjoy the rare sight of these beasts of the ocean sliding through and skimming over the Island?s picture-perfect waters.

Cars, bikes and trailers joined the official crane and command bus on the shoreline, with burgers, snow cones and gratefully-received ice-cold drinks the order of the day.

The passing of each vessel, be it the snub-nosed jetskis or the bat-winged powerboats, was greeted with a cheer by the ever-increasing crowd as they set off on their circumnavigation of the Island.

The North Shore section was easily overcome while the swells on the south side proved more of a hindrance to fast times.

The odd damaged propeller ? and the failure of five of the 11 boats to finish ? was a sign that even when the weather gods seem to be smiling on Bermuda, the seas are still a dangerous place to be ? especially in the small but immensely powerful boats that draw out the crowds.

The days of 10,000 spectators turning out for the annual event are long gone, but those who felt the inclination to line Ferry Reach ? as well as key viewing points at Darrell?s Wharf and Hogfish Beacon ? will be glad they did.

The action, however brief, is still an impressive sight, especially against the unique backdrops provided by this Island paradise.

?This is an event you just can?t miss,? said Vanessa Dadzie, who joined the throngs for the start at 2 p.m. yesterday.

?When the weather is like this, there is no better place to be than by the water enjoying these big, loud boats.?