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Selleys shine as records tumble

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Need for speed: Andrew Cunningham and navigator Henry Talbot glide across the top of the water during the S class race(Photograph by Akil Simmons)

It proved a memorable day in the Selley household as brothers David and Mark delivered record-breaking performances in the Rubis Around the Island Power Boat Race today.

Not only did David and navigator Scott Barnes, set a new record in the A class in a time of 50min 19secs, the pair also took the chequered flag as the first boat back to the finish line in perfectly calm conditions at Ferry Reach.

To make the day even sweeter, David then watched on as sibling Mark and navigator Jordan Fletcher, followed in behind, setting a new record of 43:52 in the B class.

“I’ll take the record and let’s just hope this one stays around for a bit,” David Selley said.

“It was pretty calm out there, a few bumps along the way but that’s what those boats are designed to do. We drove the conditions perfectly and brought it home.

“It always looks calm from the shore line, and even we make the mistake of thinking it appears like a carpet, however, once you get in the boat and take off, believe me you’re not even able top hold a drink to your mouth.

“It’s always challenging and I’m just proud of not only ourselves, but my brother too. That team have been through so much and to get a one-two finish is brilliant.

“In a way I wish they would have been the first boat back, they have been through so much and to come in just behind us and get a win in his class is fantastic.

“This race is always weather permitting and today was pretty perfect. I want to leave a mark on the sport and that’s my third win now and so I’m only two behind my uncle Craig.

“The aim is to set a new record again next year. Going for records brings out the best in us and so that’s the aim.

“I want to thank Scott for stepping in and Matthew [Smith} for all of his hard work as well.”

Barnes stepped in as a late replacement for original navigator Matthew Smith, who was unavailable for the rescheduled race, with the former taking the opportunity to hail the performance of his pilot in achieving their record-breaking feat.

“It was a hell of a ride out there,” said Barnes, a champion karting driver. “We had the slower of the two boats and that just shows what an incredible job David did.

“The other boat led pretty much all the way to Pompano and then David took control on South Shore and out outmanoeuvred our rival boat.”

Powering through: Steven Eversley and navigator Brandon Franks on their way to victory in the S class(Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Making a splash: Craig Nesbitt Sr and Craig Nesbitt Jr blast past spectators in the B class(Photograph by Akil Simmons)