Professional powerboat racer Luis Martins overcame adversity on the way to finishing second at this year’s Race World Offshore Key West World Championships in Florida.

Driver Martins and throttle man Nick Imprescia’s hopes hung in the balance after their 32ft twin-engined Doug Wright catamaran, Nuff Said, was severely damaged in a collision with rival Mikalyzed in the penultimate race of the three-race series

“It all happened really quickly,” Martins told The Royal Gazette. “We knew right away we’d taken a hit and then Mikalyzed flipped, which brought the race to a stop. In that moment you’re just hoping everyone’s OK and trying to assess the damage.

“The guys in the other boats were saying we had a crack but we didn’t know how bad it was at the time. We just focused on staying calm and getting back to racing when it restarted.

“In the moment we weren’t really sure what was going to happen after we took the hit. When the race came to a stop and the guys told us we had a crack, we just decided to keep going and see it through. We didn’t know how bad it was, but our mindset was simple; finish the race and give it everything we had.”

The decision proved to be a wise one as the duo went on to finish fourth and with the aid of others worked frantically to get their boat back on the start line for the final race.

“Eric, from Quality Composites of Manatee, drove down to Key West and got started at 8am and was finished repairs at midnight. Graphix Signs’ Douglas Davis patched up all the stickers,” Martins said.

With their hopes of a podium finish still intact, the local team produced their best showing of second in the final race to secure the runner-up spot behind winners Team Nautical Ventures.

It was a feat that exceeded Martins’s expectations.

“We came into Key West just hoping to put together three solid races, especially with this being our first race together in the boat,” he said. “To come away with second in a world championship is huge for us. It really shows how far the team has come in a short time.

“I think it came down to preparation and trust. Everyone did their part, from the set-up crew to us in the boat, and we went into each race with a solid plan. When things got tough, nobody panicked. We just focused on what we could control and kept the boat consistent all weekend.”

The podium finish has lifted the team’s confidence.

“Finishing second at a World Championship gives everyone a huge lift,” Martins said. “It’s proof that all the long hours and tough weekends are paying off.

“The team’s closer than ever now and it’s given us a lot of motivation heading into next season.”

Also flying the island’s flag at the event was Team Bermuda, comprised of driver David Selley and throttle man and boat owner Steven Bridges, who narrowly missed out on the podium after finishing fourth.

“Not the result we were hoping for but still a solid finish out of fourteen boats,” Bridges said.

“The goal for next year is still the same; more podiums and a chequered flag.”

Hailing the two team’s strong showing at the event was sports minister Owen Darrell.

“It is a wonderful achievement for the entire team of Nuff Said and Team Bermuda,” he said.

“Key West Word Championship has long been the most popular race in the circuit, and to have both Bermuda teams represent so well is a testament to their hard work and the investment made by their entire support base.

“I had the privilege to meet with both teams when the boats came to Cabinet this summer, and I’m delighted that their success is continuing to put eyes on Bermuda as a destination.

“On behalf of the Bermuda Government, congrats, and I wish them continued success.”