As the daughter of a former Round the Island Race champion, it was perhaps inevitable that Amber Furtado would follow in her father’s footsteps and also compete in powerboat racing.

That opportunity finally arrived at Ferry Reach last weekend, when the 24-year-old competed alongside pilot/boyfriend Marcus Pimentel to add another chapter to her family’s proud legacy in the sport.

“It was a great experience and loads of fun. It was an amazing day and a great opportunity to do that,” Furtado told The Royal Gazette.

“It was a bit bumpy out there so that was a bit nerve-racking, but once we took off I was lost in the concentration of things and the physical aspect of it.

“All in all it was just a great experience doing something new and I have a lot of respect for the guys that do that every other weekend. It’s an experience that not a lot of people can actually explain unless you’re actually in it and doing it first-hand.”

Furtado was inspired by her father, Luis, who claimed B class honours with co-pilot Ernie Mello in the 1994 Round the Island Race.

“My dad used to race so it’s in the family and I’ve always had the idea of having this on my bucket list. Although I wasn’t thought of when he was racing, just seeing all the pictures and articles is something that I have a family connection to the sport, so it was a big full-circle moment,” she said.

Watching her partner compete further fuelled Furtado’s desire to race.

“Since dating Marcus I’ve always spent my time watching him from the sidelines and trying to be involved as much as I can,” she said.

“I’m honestly not sure if I will take part again but I’m definitely open to the opportunity of going again.

“It was my first race so I’m still new to everything and obviously have a lot more to learn if I did want to pursue further. But in that moment I really enjoyed the experience and never thought I would actually get to do that in my life. The opportunity came up and I just grabbed it and went.”

Pimentel was “humbled” to compete alongside his girlfriend who shares his passion for the sport.

“It was a humbling experience because it’s not something that I would say everybody’s partner would support, so very grateful that she is as just as passionate about it as I am. That was a huge thing for me,” he said.

“Ever since we started dating she’s been in this sport pretty much by my side. Not in the boat, but always helping out and putting up with me so that’s huge to have that support.

“She did her job with 110 per cent effort, she was amazing. I told her what she had to look out for and what to do, and she did it perfectly without a single hiccup.”

The pair secured a podium finish in their first time racing together in A class to make the occasion even more special.

“She got a podium on her first race day so she’s off to a good start,” Pimentel said.

“First race we finished fourth on the same lap as the leaders, which is an accomplishment within itself, and second race we ended up taking third.

“That was my first time driving that boat so first race was me really getting to learn the boat and second race was a stroke of luck. One of our competitors ran out of fuel and we made it to the line before they did, so take it where you can.”