Fans hoping that a day that started out with sunshine, blue skies and a cool breeze would be the perfect occasion to hold the 2002 Round the Island Race were left disappointed yesterday.

Although the heavy rains that plagued the Island on Friday and Saturday had subsided, race officials decided to postpone the event due to concerns over the safety of South Shore.

But the postponement did not stop hordes of race fans from enjoying their Sunday afternoon with a little sun and a fun day at the Ferry Reach track.

Bermuda Powerboat Association (BPA) race official Paul Rodriquez said the race was called off due to the choppiness of the water along South Shore and it will now be held next Sunday.

“I went out at about 9 a.m. with (BPA) commodore Chris Roque to make an evaluation of South Shore. At the time we had about three to four rollers with wind gusts of 15 to 20 on top of the rollers which caused an almost surf effect. That was the higher concern of mine and Chris for the race day. With those kinds of wind gusts it would cause them (boats) to have a kite effect and could cause the boats to do a barrel role to the left.

“Under that evaluation we had to call the race to be postponed until next week Sunday due to the safety of the boat racers, their rigs, themselves and the spectators.”

Fans of the annual event said they were slightly disappointed, but admitted the postponement was the right decision after viewing the South Shore surf.

Pierangell Lanfranchi said it would have been his second time at the race and he would have loved to have seen it go ahead.

“It looked pretty choppy on South Shore,” said Mr. Lanfranchi. “The first time I was here was many years ago and I didn't know anyone who was racing. Now after you get to meet the people who are racing, I decided to come.”

“It's a good atmosphere with people drinking sodas and having a good time. It's a great day out. I will most likely be back next week.”

Kenneth Hunt heard about the postponement of the race early yesterday morning but still headed to Ferry Reach.

“It was choppy on the South Shore, so I understood why they cancelled the race. Hamilton Harbour was also looking a little rough this morning. At least they still put something on for the fans.

“This is something for the youngsters - instead of racing up and down on their bikes some may see this and then get inspired to go out and race in boats.”

Daric Seymour, who pilots racing boat Two Deuce along with co-pilot Andy Stoneham, said he was ready for the race and compared the anticipation for the event to the build up before the recent boxing match between world champion Lennox Lewis and former champ Mike Tyson.

Mr. Seymour said he and his partner were ready to go but arrived at Ferry Reach to learn the race was called off.

“I was definitely disappointed that the race was postponed,” said Mr. Seymour. “When I woke up this morning and I saw the sun, it had been raining for the past couple of days, so when I saw the sun I was like, ‘Yes!'”

“But I guess it was too rough on South Shore,” said Mr. Seymour.

He added that not all was lost because the rest of the crews and the other boats racing could use the extra week.

“Hopefully the other racers will get whatever problems they have ironed out so that next week we'll get to race.”