Local jet skiers will officially compete in a league of their own during the Bermuda Power Boat Association’s 2021 season.

As many as 18 jet-skiers have already expressed a desire to compete during the upcoming season with organisers anticipating that number to increase.

“It is full steam ahead to get jet skis racing,” Robert Cardwell, the BPBA commodore, confirmed.

“We have as much as 18 interested, but expect this number to grow. Their first race day will be the same as juniors on April 18.

“The BPBA welcome this racing back under our flag and look forward to making this an exciting spectator event as it will be all inshore.”

The proposal to re-introduce the new jet ski league was accepted by BPBA members at meeting held last week at Blue Waters Anglers Club. The last time jet skis competed under the BPBA’s auspices was in 2010.

If all goes according to plan, jet skiers could potentially be offered a cash purse.

“We are proposing that jet ski racers will race for a purse on each race day,” Cardwell added. “First $500, second $300 and third $200.”

The BPBA is also exploring the possibility of having jet skis taking part in the popular Round the Island Race.

“We are discussing what the jet ski racecourse might be for Around the Island,” Cardwell added. At this stage we are not confirmed as to whether it will be all around or a short-cut half around version. We are still working this out.”

Cardwell is equally as excited to see the progress being made with the launch of the association’s junior programme that will see competitors ages ten to 15 compete in the GT-15 driven by a 15-horsepower engine.

“The junior programme is picking up steam and we have a number of junior members interested,” he said. “We have six confirmed, but I think the number will be at least eight. Lots of conversations happening.

“They will be participating in orientation exercises in later March to get them ready for the first race day on April 18.

“Orientation will include swim test and buoyancy tests as well as counsel on race rules to promote safety for the junior events.”

The BPBA has announced a nine race day schedule for the 2021 season to be staged from April to September.

The global Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the BPBA’s 2020 season being cancelled.

A spike in the number of positive coronavirus cases on the island then led to a government shutdown of sporting activities on the island last December.

Cardwell hopes the restrictions will be “lifted” in time to enable the 2021 season to start as originally planned

“That’s our hope and what we’re sort of banking on,” he said.