Bermuda powerboat racing fans were out in full force for the opening races of the 2026 Key West World Championship in Florida on Wednesday.

Throngs lined the shoreline and piers to cheer on local teams S1 Team Bermuda and S12 Nuff Said as they battled it out in the Super Stock class.

Lucas Bridges, nephew of Team Bermuda throttle man and boat owner Steven Bridges, is proud to see his uncle, driver David Selley, claim national class honours in the United States this year.

“I am proud of him and they have done fantastic this season,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“It’s been amazing and to see No 1 on the boat is a dream come true.”

Bridges is also happy to see Nuff Said driver Luis Martins and American throttle man Nick Imprescia thriving at this level after they finished runner-up behind Team Bermuda in the national championship.

“S25 and S12 representing Bermuda is fantastic and if this season is anything to go off I think we got a good shot. This would be the cherry on top if they can perform well here this week,” he said.

Chris Smith hopes to see the island’s teams do well at the event.

“We’re wishing both of our boys the best of luck and let’s try and get podium,” he said.

“Having a great day here first day of racing in Key West and it doesn’t get any better than this. Always good with friends and family, and we’re just keeping it real.”

Hildegard Thomas is also happy to see both teams thriving at this level.

“The boats are doing amazing and to see them come first, second or even in the top three is fantastic,” she said.

“We were actually here for both of their first years and where they were then and where they are now is just amazing in that short period of time.”

Gloria Malpas is impressed by the large numbers of Bermudians that attend the event annually.

“We’ve seen more Bermudians down here than I think that we do at home,” she said.

“The support and the people that just come down for this is amazing, it really is. The atmosphere, the vibe, everything is really, really good. It’s a lot of fun.”