Sports minister Owen Darrell led the tributes to Team Bermuda, who clinched a maiden world title at the Key West World Championship in Florida.

Driver David Selley and throttle man Steven Bridges won two of the three races in their 32ft Doug Wright catamaran against some of the world’s elite in the Super Stock class to do themselves and Bermuda proud.

“Congratulations to Team Bermuda and I want to say thank you to David Selley and Steven Bridges for their display of class and bringing the championship home,” Darrell told The Royal Gazette.

He also praised fellow Bermuda team Nuff Said, comprising driver Luis Martins and throttle man Nick Imprescia, who took second in the race and finished fourth overall to make it a truly memorable occasion for the island.

“I know they are two different teams, but collectively it is a Bermuda win and it is a Bermuda achievement,” he said.

Shadow sports minister and Opposition leader Ben Smith also hailed Team Bermuda’s latest success on the professional racing scene in the United States.

“Team Bermuda has delivered a remarkable sporting triumph on the world stage, bringing immense pride to our island and once again demonstrating that Bermuda can compete with and defeat the very best in the world,” he said.

Bermuda Power Boat Association commodore Jermal Woolridge, who competed alongside Shawn Butterfield for Sarasota-based team Kevin Irish at the event, is proud to see both teams stamp their authority on the event.

“To have both teams competing at such a prestigious event is an achievement in itself,” he said. “It speaks volumes about the dedication, hard work, determination and passion that our racers, crews, families and supporters put into this sport.

“I am especially proud of S1 [Team Bermuda] for bringing home a world championship title. This is an outstanding accomplishment and a moment of great pride for Bermuda and the entire powerboat racing community. Winning at this level is no small feat, and S1 deserves every bit of recognition for this achievement.

“I also want to congratulate both teams for carrying the Bermuda flag with pride, representing our island, and showing the international powerboat racing community what Bermuda has to offer.”

He added: “As commodore, moments like these remind me why we continue to work hard to develop, support and promote powerboat racing in Bermuda. Our success is not measured only by trophies and championships, but also by the people who represent us, the sportsmanship they demonstrate and the pride they bring back home.

“Congratulations to both teams, and a special congratulations to S1 on becoming world champions! You have made Bermuda proud.

“Keep raising the bar, keep representing our island and keep showing the world that Bermuda belongs on the world powerboat racing stage.

“Proud to be your commodore, proud of our racers and proud of Bermuda.”

Selley and Bridges’s famous victory also completed an impressive double after also being crowned Super Stock national champions this year.

They are only the second Bermuda team to be crowned national and world champions in the same year behind Chris Marshall and Dennis Berry, who achieved the feat in 2000.

Martins and Imprescia also secured two wins and finished runners-up to Team Bermuda in the national championship during their first full season racing together.

Marshall hailed both team’s highly successful season in which they claimed seven titles between them.

“Amazing dominance all year in the most competitive class in offshore racing by the two best racers Bermuda has ever produced,” he said.

“S1 is on the top of the world and they deserve it. Well done!”