The legacy of powerboat racer Rickai “Pugi” Raynor will honoured during a memorial race later this year.

Raynor tragically lost his life in a fatal crash during Bermuda Power Boat Association’s Hamilton Harbour Race series on June 28.

The 28-year-old father of two and stepbrother of Minister of Public Works and Environment Jaché Adams succumbed to injuries he sustained when his boat crashed into with a yacht moored near White’s Island.

Co-pilot Shannon Caisey suffered a head wound in the incident and at last check was said to be “recovering well”, while the Bermuda Police Service have called on the public to help with their investigation into the marine incident.

Jermal Woolridge, the BPBA commodore, confirmed that he and his committee members are planning to stage a race honouring Raynor before the end of the season.

“We haven’t solidified a date or anything like that, but we are looking at having a tribute memorial race for Rickai later on in the year,” he told The Royal Gazette.

Raynor was laid to rest following a funeral service at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church, which was attended by hundreds of mourners.

“It was a beautiful service. All his friends and family came out in the various different sporting and racing communities to show solidarity in the mourning of a great competitor, friend, brother, father and team-mate. It was a touching, heartfelt moment,” Woolridge said.

The BPBA postponed its race on July 5 in the wake of the fatal crash but is set to resume on Sunday.

“The schedule is going to proceed as normal this weekend at Ferry Reach,” Woolridge confirmed.

“The racers are distraught, so we won’t be able to know how many will turn up until the race meeting, but the plan is to resume this weekend.

“Round the Island is the next race, so that’s why we have to push forward. This will be a very busy time period as per normal with just the logistics of putting together Round the Island Race, let alone doing it under these circumstances.”

Raynor often competed with his father Ricky in his boat, the pair claiming B class honours in the Rubis Round the Island Race in 2023.

His father attributes his son’s death to a misjudgment on his part and has vowed to continue racing his boat in his honour and memory.

Raynor also competed in motocross and harness racing, with family friend and fellow harness racing enthusiast Samantha Hayward paying tribute.

“The Raynor family have always been very near and dear to me and to the entire harness racing community,” she said.

“Their involvement in the sport spans many years. Rickai was quiet, soft-spoken and always polite, but once he stepped on to the racetrack, he was all business.

“We watched Rickai grow up on the Vesey Street track, driving Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, and Crazy Baldhead.

“Rickai and Buffalo Soldier developed into a phenomenal team. The expression ‘drive it like you stole it’ certainly seemed to apply to them.

“Although we did not see Rickai at every race meeting after he stopped competing in harness racing, he still came whenever his scrambling commitments allowed and always enjoyed being part of the racing community.

“His smiling face will be greatly missed when the new season begins. Rickai’s passing leaves a tremendous void and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Raynor family during this difficult time. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched and through the sport he loved so dearly.”