to Ferry Reach yesterday for the season opener in the off-shore and closed circuit.

But while most of the focus was on the bigger racing craft it was their diminutive `cousins', the jet skis, that stole the show, thrilling a sizeable crowd gathered at the east end.

Female rider Dorann Simons became an instant crowd favourite when she bested her male counterparts in winning the third heat, a feat she took particular pride in.

"When you race with the men you have to come up to par,'' said Simons, who took up jet skiing 10 years ago. "Just because I'm a woman I can't say `take it easy on me.''' It certainly did not appear that Simons was being treated any different, especially when Brighton Swan slammed into the former while rounding turn three.

Simons, though, took it all in stride accepting this as part of the racing game.

"I usually take sharp turns and he tried to get on the inside of me and force me out wide, but it didn't bother me in the least,'' explained Simons.

Other winners on the day were Brighton Swan in race two, while Buddy Ford, the man most responsible for bringing the sport closer to the viewing public, captured the opening race.

Ford later expressed some disappointment at the low number of competitors -- there were five -- but was optimistic that these would increase in the coming weeks.

He noted that the emphasis was on enjoyment and that he would like to get more of the youth involved in the activity.

"We want to have fun events involving children where it's not all about speed, but working together as a team,'' said Ford, a former top cyclist.

"It's more about entertaining the people and not all about winning.'' Bermuda Powerboat Association president Craig Burt said that it could be the start of a happy marriage having the jet skis competing alongside the bigger boats.

"Some members were skeptical, but now after seeing them here we think that it will be a boost,'' said Burt. "It's something new we're trying, but I think it can work.'' Meanwhile, Sean Tavares recorded a hat-trick of victories among the SST class (closed circuit) taking the first three races, but was denied a fourth triumph when Louis Caisey found an extra burst of speed which hitherto had been missing.

Turning to the offshore racers, Andy Stoneham and his skater dominated the proceedings, romping to victory in the C Class.

Stoneham and co-pilot Ascento Russell totally outstripped the competition, leaving them to battle for the second spot.

Burt won that fight, crossing the line second followed by the brother team of Treadwell and Craig Nesbitt.

Taking honours in the A Class was Brian Smith partnered by Guy DeSilva, followed by Greg Corbett in second and Jeffrey Benevides third.

The B and D classes contained just one competitor in each leaving Jason Pimental and Patrick Stamper to enjoy easy outings.

Burt anticipated higher numbers for next week as the National Championship Series gets underway.

There will be a meeting for all jet ski members tomorrow at the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation starting at 5.30 p.m.

BOUND FOR VICTORY -- Sean Tavares heads for the chequered flag during powerboat racing in the SST Class at Ferry Reach yesterday. In the background is Scott Lopes.