double win when he defends his title this weekend.

DeSilva took the chequered flag last year against the odds after thieves stole his race propellor in the run-up to the event.

He improvised with a propellor from a pleasure boat and despite stiff competition managed to cross the line ahead of the field.

Craig Burt, Commodore of the Bermuda Powerboat Association, said DeSilva and co-pilot Eddie Roberts would start out as favourites for Sunday's BTC Mobility sponsored event in their B-class Phantom, but that did not mean they would have it all their own way.

Mr Burt said he expected Stephen DeSilva and Frank Mello in their B-class Phantom to figure strongly and if the seas were particularly rough Howard Paynter and Ivan Smith in their B-class Ring should come into the equation.

"So far we have 24 boats signed up and we expect that to increase to 30 at tomorrow's sign up meeting,'' Mr Burt said.

Mr Burt said Hurricane Alberto, which was set to be downgraded to a tropical storm, would not have a great effect on the proceedings although it could add to the swell on South Shore.

North Shore usually provided calm conditions, he said, but it became more choppy as competitors crossed the Great Sound and Pompano. "That will sort the men from the boys,'' he said. Mr Burt said most of those racing knew each other and although they were friends off the circuit, once they entered the water rivalry was fierce.

"We are a small club and some of us are friends, but usually the friendship stops at the starting line,'' he said.

As well as the main event featuring class A, B, C and D boats there are also two other races -- one for juniors and another for jet skis.

A special community project initiated by two Island police officers, Raphael Simons and Irvin Hendrickson has enabled a number of youngsters who would not ordinarily have the chance to race to get involved.

Mr Burt said: "The aim is to keep the kids off the streets, give them something positive to do and keep them away from drugs. "I think what they are doing is great for Bermuda and for the organisation.'' First away from Ferry Reach at noon are the jet skis followed by the junior race at 12.05pm and the main event is scheduled to start at 2pm.

Classes are despatched at intervals and head off down North Shore towards Flatts.

Competitors then head west along North Shore to Hog Fish Beacon, turn left towards Two Rock Passage and on to Whites Island. From there they skirt Harbour Road, go through Riddells Bay and on to Five Star Island.

They then thunder across Great Sound towards Dockyard before racing back to Ferry Reach.

Making a splash: Top driver Craig Selley in spectacular action during last year's Round-the-Island powerboat race, moments before he crashed.