isle of wight powerboat race 2023

Cowes - Torquay - Cowes Powerboat Race

Saturday 26 august - sunday 27 august 2023.

The Cowes - Torquay launched offshore powerboat racing as a sport in Britain in 1961 and is one of the most spectacular powerboat events in the British sporting calendar.

The Cowes - Torquay - Cowes race covers a distance of 182 nautical miles. The record of two hours, eighteen minutes and five seconds was set in 2008 by Fabio Buzzi, Simon Powell and Rafael Del Pino from Italy in the boat ‘Red FPT’ at an average speed of 91.1 mph.

Visit the event website for further details.

Royal Yacht Squadron

The Castle, Cowes, Isle of Wight, P031 7QT

Tel: +44 (0) 1983 292 191

Photography

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Cowes Torquay Cowes Race takes on a new look

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WELCOME TO BULLET OFFSHORE RACING

Feel free to look around.

TO BULLET OFFSHORE RACING

The Cowes-Torquay-Cowes powerboat race is considered to be one of the toughest and most prestigious offshore powerboat races in the world. The race covers a distance of approximately 190 nautical miles, starting and finishing in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, England, and passing through Torquay on the south coast of England.

The race has a rich history, dating back to 1961, and has attracted some of the biggest names in powerboat racing over the years. Drew Langdon is a British powerboat racer who has competed in the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race, as well as other offshore powerboat races around the world. He has achieved multiple victories and podium finishes in various powerboat racing events throughout his career.

Pressing on at the week end – A second win in the championship at Poole Bay Classic

Poole Bay 100 is an offshore powerboat race that takes place annually in Poole Bay, on the south coast of England. The race covers a distance of 100 nautical miles and is organized by the UK Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (UKOPRA).The UKOPRA is the governing body for offshore powerboat racing in the UK and is responsible for organizing a number of offshore powerboat races throughout the country. The organization sets the rules and regulations for the races and ensures that they are conducted safely and fairly.

The Poole Bay 100 is one of the most popular races organized by the UKOPRA and attracts competitors from all over the world. The race takes place in September each year and features a variety of different classes of powerboats, ranging from smaller entry-level boats to larger high-performance racing boats.

The Lymington Challenge is an offshore powerboat race that takes place in Lymington, a coastal town located in Hampshire, England. The race covers a distance of approximately 100 nautical miles and is organized by the Lymington Powerboat Racing Club.

The Lymington Challenge is open to powerboats of all types and sizes, and is known for attracting a diverse range of competitors, from amateur enthusiasts to professional racers. The race is typically held in June or July each year and is one of the highlights of the UK offshore powerboat racing calendar.

The course for the Lymington Challenge takes competitors along the Solent, around the Isle of Wight, and back to Lymington. The race is known for its challenging conditions, with strong currents, rough seas, and shifting winds adding to the difficulty of the race. Despite the challenges, the Lymington Challenge is a popular event among powerboat racing enthusiasts and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting offshore powerboat races in the UK.

2019 CTC – 1ST OVER ALL WITH AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 92.87 MPH

The Cornish 100 Trophy is an offshore powerboat race that takes place in Cornwall, a county located in the southwest of England. The race covers a distance of approximately 100 nautical miles and is organized by the South West Offshore Racing Association (SWORA).

The Cornish 100 Trophy is open to powerboats of all types and sizes, and typically attracts a range of competitors from amateur enthusiasts to professional racers. The race is usually held in July or August each year and is one of the most popular offshore powerboat races in the UK.

The course for the Cornish 100 Trophy takes competitors along the Cornish coast, past rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches, and around the famous Land’s End landmark. The race is known for its challenging conditions, with strong winds, choppy seas, and unpredictable weather adding to the difficulty of the race.

Despite the challenges, the Cornish 100 Trophy is a popular event among powerboat racing enthusiasts and offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning coastline of Cornwall from the water.

The John Mace Perpetual Trophy

The Late Mike Fiore was awarded ‘The John Mace Perpetual Trophy’. I was honoured to accept on his behalf at The Royal Yacht Squadron Cowes UK for his contribution to Powerboat development. Mike having designed and built my Outerlimits SV43 which has now given us two consecutive wins at the International Cowes Torquay Cowes Powerboat Race In 2018 & 2019.

UKOPRA MARATHON WORLD CHAMPION 2018

CLASS 1 OFFSHORE RACING

Offshore racing in the UK is a highly competitive and exciting sport that involves high-performance powerboats and attracts top teams and drivers from around the world. The sport is governed by two main organizations: the British Powerboat Racing Club (BPRC) and the UK Offshore Racing Association (UKOPRA).

The BPRC is responsible for organizing and promoting the races themselves, while the UKOPRA oversees the technical and safety aspects of offshore powerboat racing in the UK.

Class one vee powerboats are a popular type of powerboat used in offshore racing in the UK. These boats are designed for speed and maneuverability, and can reach speeds of up to 120 mph. They are typically piloted by a team consisting of a driver and a throttleman, who work together to control the boat’s speed and direction.

Offshore racing events in the UK featuring class one vee powerboats include the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes and Poole-Bournemouth-Poole races, as well as the Guernsey Gold Cup and the Falmouth Fowey race. These events are highly competitive and attract large crowds of fans and spectators.

Safety is a top priority in offshore racing with class one vee powerboats, and strict rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of the drivers, teams, and spectators. The boats are equipped with advanced safety features like roll cages, fire suppression systems, and emergency air supplies for the crew.

Experience the Thrill : Class 1 Vee Powerboat Racing

Dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of Class 1 Vee racing, where cutting-edge technology meets extreme speed. Governed by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the sport’s international authority, Class 1 Vee racing adheres to stringent rules and regulations, covering everything from boat design to team requirements.Constructed with precision and safety in mind, these boats boast specific hull designs, cockpit layouts, and engine specifications. Advanced materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar ensure both strength and minimal weight, allowing for optimal performance.

Behind the wheel, a skilled duo of driver and throttleman work in harmony to master the boat’s speed and direction. The driver focuses on steering, while the throttleman fine-tunes the boat’s power, adjusting the throttles accordingly.Racecourses, marked by buoys or other markers, challenge teams with multiple laps around 6-8 mile-long tracks. The length and difficulty of these courses can vary based on location and conditions, but one thing remains constant: sheer exhilaration.

Propelled by twin engines generating up to 1750 horsepower each, these powerboats can reach astonishing speeds of up to 120 mph. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and safety is paramount in Class 1 Vee racing. Advanced features like roll cages, fire suppression systems, and emergency air supplies keep the crew protected.Before joining the ranks of this high-octane sport, drivers and teams must undergo extensive training and certification. Only then can they experience the unbridled thrill of Class 1 Vee racing. Join the excitement, and witness powerboat racing at its finest.

Privacy Overview

18 September 2024

The British Powerboat Racing Club was formed in 2001 following the gala dinner held at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes to celebrate the 40th running of the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes offshore powerboat race.

The Cowes-Torquay launched offshore powerboat racing as a sport in Britain in 1961. Initially sponsored by the Daily Express newspaper, its success encouraged several countries in Europe and the Middle East to follow suit.

Hence, it can rightly claim to have introduced offshore powerboat racing to the rest of the world outside the United States, where the modern sport was launched with the first Miami-Nassau Race in 1956.

The race returns on 24 August 2024, with Experience Kissimmee as the presenting sponsor and racing under Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) rules.

• Fri Aug 23 - Sun Aug 25 2024 The British Powerboat Racing Club presents the Cowes Powerboat Festival presented by Experience Kissimmee
• Sat 24 Aug - Cowes - Torquay - Cowes Race 09:00 am start
• Sat 24 Aug - Cowes - Poole - Cowes Race 09:15 am start
• Sun 25 Aug - Round the Island Race

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Round the Island Race 2023: An epic edition of the ultimate 'Race for all'

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Powerboat racing can be viewed from the Island tomorrow

‘Round the Island’ offshore powerboat racing will take place tomorrow (Saturday), as teams compete to win the opening round of the 2024 UKOPRA Offshore Championship.

Twenty teams from across the UK and Sweden will compete for Classes 1/1L/2/3 titles around the 60-mile coastline of the Island.

The start line and muster area are opposite Gurnard (East Lepe Buoy) and the teams will take the green flag at around 12:30pm.

The prizegiving will take place in Southampton.

The best vantage points to get a good view of the racing will be Yarmouth Pier, Fort Victoria (or Hurst Castle), The Needles, St Catherine’s Lighthouse, Ryde Pier and Egypt Point.

For those hoping to see the action from the water, all spectator boats in the vicinity of the rolling start are advised to keep north of an imaginary line from East Lepe to West Lepe Buoy. This is advisable for your own safety and to give a clean start for the racers.

The record speed for the race was set in 2022 by Drew Langdon and Miles Jennings in Silverline; they averaged 102.87 mph (165.56 kph).

All race details, including teams competing can be found at iw.observer/powerboatracing or on the World Powerboat Events UK Facebook page.

Read about the young Islanders taking part on page 13 or here .

By Isle of Wight Observer

Related post, this week’s cricket report in brief, southampton international boat show gets underway, freshwater resident is set to swim for charity.

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The Race Latest news

New date announced for the 2025 round the island race.

Author: Dave Atkinson    Date: 11:39 Tuesday 9 Jul 2024

The Island Sailing Club (ISC), organisers of the annual Round the Island Race, has announced a new date for the 2025 edition, following the Isle of Wight Festival’s decision to hold their event on the same day as the Race. The annual race, which attracts over 8,000 competitors, will now take place on Saturday 7th June .

The ISC would like to thank the Royal Southern Yacht Club for changing the date of their early June regatta to accommodate the revised date for “Britain’s Favourite Yacht Race”. The decision has been taken after considerable consultation with local organisations and authorities, and will ensure a smooth and enjoyable Round the Island Race for competitors, visitors, local businesses and residents alike.

Dave Atkinson, Race Director of the Round the Island Race explains: “The famous 50 nautical mile course around the Isle of Wight is an all-encompassing event and has been proudly run by the ISC since 1931. The Race's unique 'Race for All' ethos caters for and embraces first timers, families, amateurs and professionals competing side-by-side on the same racetrack.

“To be able to run the race we require certain tidal conditions which only occur on a few days in the racing season. We therefore publish the Race dates at least three years in advance to enable the various port authorities, supporting partners, safety teams, shoreside agencies, volunteers and other event organisers to plan accordingly. Any change, of course, has significant impact on these organisations, and we are grateful for their understanding and support, particularly the port authorities who will now need to rearrange the early morning closure of the Central Solent area to commercial traffic for the revised date.

“We also recognise the importance of both events to the Island economy, and look forward to constructive discussions with the Isle of Wight Festival and local authorities to avoid this situation occurring in the future. In the meantime, we continue with the organisation of next year’s event, and look forward to seeing you on the start line on the 7th June”.

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​ Y​acht Charter

The salamander sailing adventure, ukopra round the isle of wight spectator boat, powerboat race, 3rd june 2023.

for on the water spectating

Yarmouth Speed Festival Organised by the United Kingdom Offshore Powerboat Racing Association

Get in Touch 2 Get on Board

SALAMANDER OF LYMINGTON

with The Salamander Sailing Adventure

THE SALAMANDER LUXURY SPECTATOR BOAT on the water spectating with close-up viewing for the UKOPRA ROUND THE ISLE OF WIGHT POWERBOAT RACE

When is the ukopra round the isle of wight powerboat race.

SATURDAY – June 3rd

Round the Isle of Wight Powerboat Race

Race organisers and programme 

ukopra.co.uk

All timings and events subject to change.

Salamander your #SpectatorBoat with great decks for viewing the Yarmouth Speed Festival, the Round the Isle of Wight Powerboat Race and the 1 Mile Speed Runs

Salamander your #SpectatorBoat finding the best location for spectating the Yarmouth Speed Festival, the Round the Isle of Wight Powerboat Race and the 1 Mile Speed Runs

Salamander is heated and perfectly suited for year round use, both sailing and cruising under motor. Feel free to wander around the extensive teak decks with their protective teak handrail as we look for the best location for you to see the event.

Salamander your #SpectatorBoat also has a warm saloon for great all weather spectating.

Where is the best place to see the UKOPRA Round the Isle of Wight Powerboat Race and where to find the Salamander Spectator Boat?

The Salamander Spectator Boat is normally found in Berthon Lymington Marina, in the Georgian town of Lymington.

Our experience confirms that the normally sheltered waters by Hurst Castle and Hurst Lighthouse is the best place to see the start of the Round The Isle of Wight UKOPRA Powerboat Race from onboard the Salamander Spectator Boat.

Lymington is therefore the preferred departure point. 

Bespoke arrangements might be possible to meet guests in Lymington, Buckler's Hard on the Beaulieu River, Southampton, the Hamble, Portsmouth and Gosport in Hampshire, Cowes and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. 

Lymington, Yarmouth, Cowes, Hamble, Southampton and Portsmouth are well served by trains and ferries making overland connections for boarding and disembarking Salamander very easy.

Lymington, The New Forest and the Isle of Wight are unique destination venues for some amazing scenery, with luxurious boutique hotels and excellent fine dining providing the perfect backdrop to combine with some wonderful sailing on board Salamander, a traditional yacht with a classically designed teak interior .  

Transfers from hotels can be arranged.

#SpectatorBoat

What's included in the price for the UKOPRA Round the Isle of Wight Powerboat Race and the 1 Mile Speed Runs Salamander Spectator Boat?

Full-day on the water spectating on board Salamander for up to 12 guests.

A professional crew of 3, probably the highest crew to guest ratio on the south coast, usually including the round the world owner skipper with tales to tell, so you may relax or take part ... it's up to you.

Full dedicated steward service on board serving a champagne breakfast to include a glass of bucks fizz, a bacon roll, Danish bites and tea or coffee.

Daytime harbour drop off fees as necessary.

Lunch on board Salamander.

Soft drinks, tea and coffee are available throughout the day on board Salamander of Lymington

Parking, if departing from Lymington, adjacent to Salamander in Berthon Lymington Marina, Bath Road, Lymington, SO41 3YL

*Based upon a minimum of 4 guests

#GetInTouch2GetOnBoard

Let us check availability

TESTIMONIAL - WHAT DO THE SALAMANDER SAILING ADVENTURE GUESTS SAY ?

"Cowes Torquay Powerboat"

A fantastic day. It felt like a one day holiday.

A big thank you to the crew for a wonderful day out.

Formster - TripAdvisor Review

Election | In Virginia’s 2nd District, Jen Kiggans and…

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Election | In Virginia’s 2nd District, Jen Kiggans and Missy Cotter Smasal talk military aid for Israel, Ukraine

Republican incumbent Jen Kiggans and Democratic challenger Missy Cotter Smasal are competing to represent Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Among other localities , the district includes Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Isle of Wight and parts of Chesapeake.

Jen Kiggans

Job title and company: Representative, United States House of Representatives

Highest level of education: Master of Science in Nursing, Vanderbilt University

Party affiliation: Republican

Previous elected office: Virginia state senator (District 7)

Military service: 10 years, U.S. Navy (Helicopter pilot)

Website: www.jenforcongress.com

What do you believe is the greatest problem facing our nation today and what would you propose to address that if elected?

The lack of strong leadership in our great nation. As a veteran, I know how important strong, competent leadership is to the success of any team. Strong leaders are accountable to the people they serve; unfortunately, what we’ve seen over the past four years has been the exact opposite, and it shows. We have an economy that Americans can’t afford to live in, a southern border that’s seen more than 8 million illegal crossings since 2021, and a world that grows more dangerous by the day. The Biden-Harris administration has missed no opportunity to blame others for their own shortcomings, despite all the major crises – starting with the Afghanistan withdrawal – that have occurred on their watch. The American people deserve so much more; it’s time for new leadership for our country.

The United States is currently providing significant military aid to Israel and Ukraine. Do you believe the U.S. should continue to provide funding to both or either of these nations? Explain why or why not.

I strongly believe that providing military aid to our allies is critical to achieving world peace: a belief that I’ve backed up with my votes in Congress. Without world peace we have nothing, and world peace can only be achieved through strength at home and abroad. As the proud representative of one of the most military-heavy districts in the country, I’ve fought tirelessly to give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to complete their mission, and will continue to do so when reelected. Providing military aid to repel attacks from thugs like Vladimir Putin and terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah ensures that members of our armed forces – many of whom I’m blessed to represent in Washington – will not be placed in harm’s way.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has said the court should reconsider several of its past rulings, including one that protected the right to contraception. Would you support legislation in Congress to codify the right to birth control into law?

As a mother and healthcare provider, I believe that all women in our country should have reliable access to contraception. That’s why I’ve proudly supported expanding access to birth control (including eliminating co-pays) and fought to protect Americans’ access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Last year, I proudly cosponsored the Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023, which would increase access to over-the-counter oral contraceptives. This is an issue I feel strongly about and as a woman will continue to fight for as a member of Congress.

Missy Cotter Smasal

Job title and company: Virginia Citizen representative on the Chesapeake Bay Commission

Highest level of education: Master of Science in sports management from Old Dominion University

Party affiliation: Democrat

Military service: Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy

Website: www.missy4congress.com

I’m concerned about the world we’re leaving to the next generation. Extremists in D.C. have focused on trying to strip away basic freedoms like reproductive and voting rights, and delivered only chaos. Our system needs significant reform to recapture the trust and confidence of the American people. Money in politics has corrupted the system, with members like Kiggans, fighting to garner earmarks for big donors, instead of voters. The MAGA right’s hold on Congress has also created uncertainty by proposing unacceptable cuts to the VA, which Kiggans voted for, which stifles our local economy. When elected, I will put Virginians first. That means working with reasonable Democrats and Republicans to fight for us. We deserve a leader who rejects extremism, works to restore faith in our system and delivers results.

As a Navy veteran who served during the war on terror, I understand that we must protect our allies and defend democracy. So many of us in Coastal Virginia have deployed friends and family members, and their safe return is our priority. There’s no better fighting force in the world than the US military, and no stronger proponent of democracy than the United States, and therefore, we must lead the way. In Congress, I will support sending aid to Israel and Ukraine, ensure we stand up to dangerous actors such as Iran and Russia, never compromise on our national security, and stand by our allies.

As the only pro-choice candidate in this race, not only would I support legislation to protect birth control, but I also support legislation to protect abortion rights nationwide – a key difference between myself and Jen Kiggans. The MAGA extremists in Congress with whom Jen Kiggans has aligned herself want to restrict access to birth control and pass a national abortion ban. Kiggans has even tried to force her extreme anti-choice agenda onto military servicewomen, by voting twice to restrict abortion access for active duty service members in the NDAA. I will unapologetically defend reproductive rights, which include protecting birth control and abortion rights. Kiggans has proven she cannot be trusted on either.

Robert Reid

Answers to the questionnaire were not received by deadline for publication.

Answers complied by The Virginian-Pilot staff.

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