Anthanay Steede Reflects On Powerboat Race
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Anthanay Steede has discovered a new passion for powerboat racing after competing for the first time in the recent Rubis Around the Island Race at Ferry Reach.
Steede, who had never raced before, took on the role of co-pilot for her partner, Damon Morris, a seasoned driver with more than a decade of experience in the high-speed sport.
The pair, competing in the B class, faced drama on the water when their 18ft Ring Powercraft sank off South Shore – but Steede says the experience was unforgettable and thrilling from start to finish.
“To see my partner’s passion and love for the sport has been inspiring, watching him race, working on the boat and the engine,” Steede told Bernews.
“This year, he decided to take me out. I loved it straight away. I’ve so much trust in him, so I was comfortable straight away.”
Steede, who runs her own hairdressing business, said the focus was very much on gaining experience rather than chasing honours.
“We didn’t really care about challenging for honours,” the mother of two said.
“We started in last place but began catching people out of Ferry Beach.
“By Hamilton Harbour and Five Star Island, we had passed a good few people in our class.”
The excitement turned to drama near Pompano Beach, however.
“The waves were getting rough,” she said. “A big wave must have gushed into the boat.
“We pulled over to check what was happening. We had taken too much water – the boat was underwater within a few seconds of us stopping.
“We contacted Atlantic Mooring and managed to retrieve the boat. I was more upset than Damon was. He was just happy that we were both fine.”
As a co-pilot, Steede said her role goes far beyond simply sitting alongside her partner and combines split-second decision-making with constant vigilance to ensure both speed and safety on the water.
She monitors the course for hazards, adjusts the motor to navigate waves and reefs, describing it as a high-adrenaline job that requires focus, trust, and teamwork.
“I’m his extra eyes and can see if a reef is coming up and trim out the motor so we can go up high or low and avoid any mishaps,” she said.
“I enjoy the speed. When you can do things together as a couple, it’s fun.”
The 36-year-old said her first race was an empowering experience, and she hopes to inspire other women to take part, push their limits, and discover the confidence and excitement that comes from the sport.
“Everyone was shocked when they saw my name come up [as a competitor],” said added.
“They were like, ‘You’re crazy, girl.’ I’ve since had a lot of people reach out and say they would like to do it, too.
“I don’t like to give anything gender roles. You should be able to do whatever you want to do.
“I’m addicted to it now – it gets your adrenaline going. I already knew many people in the powerboat circle – everyone is so helpful and supportive.”
