Andrew Cottingham and Brandon DeSilva share a few things in common heading into the Annual Rubis Around the Island Race tomorrow.

Not only have the duo set their sights on being the first boat overall to complete the 53-nautical mile circumnavigation of the island, they are also competing in different classes this year. Both are venturing into uncharted waters as they christen their recently purchased new boats.

Throttle man Cottingham and driver and fellow boat owner Henry Talbot clinched S class honours last year but are racing in D class this time around in a 24-foot Twister catamaran.

“We sold the S class boat because there was no more competition. We kept having to race ourselves,” Cottingham told The Royal Gazette.

“Unfortunately we have only had time to take the new boat out twice. We are still getting a feel for the boat but we are very pleased with her.

“The fleet is looking strong this year with a few contenders for line honours, so it’s going to be an exciting race. We are obviously expecting to do well and are going for first.

“Forecast is looking amazing. The swell will be up on South Shore with Hurricane Erin close by, so it will be interesting to see how this new boat handles it.

“Wishing all racers a safe and fast race.”

Cottingham and Talbot have already enjoyed success in the prestigious race having claimed class honours on six occasions and were first overall across the finish line three years ago.

Driver DeSilva and co-pilot and fellow boat owner Blake Burgess claimed BV class honours last year but are competing in A class in their new 19-foot Ocke Mannerfelt boat this year.

“We have a new boat designed and built in Sweden,” DeSilva said.

“With the elimination of FB and BV class, we were forced to race our stock 150 horsepower versus modified 200s in B class.

“We wanted a shot at line honours and think it is possible with the right A class boat. Our aim is to go for the overall win first across the line if the conditions are just right.

“We are really enjoying getting used to the new boat. We have been doing some testing and we are all set to go racing Sunday.

“With the forecast constantly changing, we are not sure if setting a record will be possible, but we are going for it.”

DeSilva and Burgess have won class honours for three consecutive years but have yet to lead the overall racing fleet across the finish line.

This year’s race promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years with lots of contenders in the line-up.

New champions will be crowned in S class with Cottingham and Talbot having vacated their crown, as well as in C class because Quincé Dowling and Tai Bean are competing in B class this time around. There is no BV class this year.

Dowling and Bean had the honour of parading the coveted chequered flag in front of hundreds of spectators gathered at Ferry Reach after being the first boat overall across the finish line last year.

Back to defend their titles are Bobby DeCosta (D class), Shane Madeiros (A class) and Phillip Raposo (B class). Madeiros is again competing with co-pilot Errin Butterfield; while DeCosta and Raposo are racing with new co-pilots Joshua Holder and Ferdinand Arnold this time around.

Professional racers and past winners Steven Bridges and David Selley have registered in S class but have yet to determine whether they will compete.

“I am signed up but not 100 per cent going yet,” Bridges said.

Nearly 30 entries spread across five classes have signed up for the race so far, with the potential for more to enter ahead of tomorrow’s registration (noon).

“This year we have the most expressed interest and registered boats leading up to Around the Island Race,” Janae Nesbitt, the Bermuda Power Boat Association commodore, said.

“At present we have between 26 and 27 boats, and competitors still have until noon Sunday to come down and register. The earlier the better so we can get our numbers in.”

Nesbitt is looking forward to some exciting racing.

“I am definitely looking forward to a great race day and hopefully it goes without a hitch,” she said.

“I want to thank all our marshals coming on board and assisting us and remind the mariners to please be mindful of the racecourse. Stay clear of the racecourse and take heed of the Marine Board Notice that will be in effect, which shuts down marine traffic in specific areas at specific times.

“I just hope that it’s a safe race and the weather turns out to be really good.

“Everyone should come and join us at Ferry Reach, where we will have vendors and all that kind of stuff.“

The Rubis Around the Island Race gets under way at Ferry Reach at 2pm and will be preceded by the model boat race (10am) and jet-ski race (12.30pm).