A SENSATIONAL voiding of yesterday’s first race in the world 2-litre offshore powerboat championship caused confusion and anger in Jesolo, Italy yesterday.

But the decision to anul the result because of a contravention of the starting regulations might, just, have boosted Jersey racer Roy Smith’s hopes of regaining the title he won two years ago.

Yesterday Smith came 14th in calm conditions which did not suit his monohull boat Condor Ferries and favoured the 21 catamarans among the 30-strong fleet.

But that result will not count after a protest over the start was upheld by the international governing body and the championship series cut from three races to two with one later today and another on Sunday.

‘The Italians did well yesterday so they’ve been throwing the toys out of the pram,’ said Smith as he prepared for today’s race this morning.

‘But rules are rules and if the weren’t complied with then it’s got to be right.’ But he wasn’t expecting to dramatically improve on his 14th placing over today’s 54-nautical mile course, saying: ‘It’s flat calm again inshore and I’ll be surprised if it’s any different on the course.

I expect to finish between tenth and 15th.

They’re not my conditions at all.

‘In all my years I’ve only raced once before in conditions like these.

But we’ve set the boat up as best we can and if we can get a top ten finish it will stand us in good stead if the weather deteriorates.’ Smith has been praying for rough Adriatic seas since he and navigator Sarah Donohue arrived.

Forecasters have been predicting change with winds and choppy sea conditions for the 86-nautical mile race on Sunday.

But as Smith prepared to motor through the glassy waters for today’s race he said: ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’