Deadly duo Graham Sutherland and Chris Wells reigned supreme in the 47th annual Round the Island Powerboat race at Ferry Reach on Sunday.

Riding in D-13, the pair completed the course in 45 minutes and five seconds with rookie racers David Selley and co-pilot Jordan Fletcher finishing second.

Race director, Ernie Mello, said the annual event had attracted a biggest crowd seen in recent years.

"It was an awesome day," said Mello. "I can't thank everyone enough for helping out. I would like to thank the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Bermuda Marine Police Service, the Regiment and the St. John Ambulance just to name a few.

"It was an extremely successful and safe race. I haven't seen the crowd so big in the past five years. The beach was lined three cars deep to watch the race. This was one of the things that made me smile.

"There was also a raft up in the water to watch the events unfold.

"The volunteers and members were very helpful and we are looking forward to future races.

"We have some strong ideas and plans for making this race bigger then ever before.

"I believe that having Shell come back next year as title sponsors will help us create a carnival atmosphere.

"Bringing more boats in is also an idea, we had 17 in this year and this is more then years past, so next year increasing this number will also be looked at."

The sportsmanship award went to Ryan Rebello and Justin Lindo. The pair were part of the 2004-05 junior programme which helps young enthusiasts get into the sport.