Some of the world’s most powerful motorboats will be converging on Cowes over the weekend of 30-31 August
Powerboat fans will be able to get closer to the action at this year’s Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Classic Powerboat Race, with the starting line moved closer to the Isle of Wight port.
Organisers have confirmed that the race will begin from the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes, which was the designated start point for the inaugural Classic Powerboat Race in 1961.
Many of the world’s most powerful motorboats are expected to line up in this year’s race, which will run in two legs: from Cowes to Torquay, and back again.
The current record was set in 2008 by Fabio Buzzi, Simon Powell and Rafael Del Pino on board Red FPT, which completed the 182nm trip at an average speed of 91.1mph.
This year’s field of 15 features 12 British teams, including Drew and Ali Langdon’s Silverline, which rides on a 38ft FB Design hull and is powered by a 1,320hp Seatek engine.
Spectators in Torquay will be able to view these remarkable boats from Haldon Pier, with a powerboat parade planned in between the two race legs.
There will also be opportunities to meet the racers on the pier at Cowes after they return to the Isle of Wight, although pontoon access will be limited to race crews and officials.
Dorian Griffith, event director of the 2014 Classic Powerboat Race, spoke of his delight at the relocation of the Cowes start point:
“This will give Cowes a massive boost as spectators can once again experience the largest gathering of ear-shattering, spine-tingling horsepower being used in anger on the water when the raceboats cross the start line.”
The 2014 Cowes Classic Powerboat Race will begin on Sunday 31 August at 9am and the first boats are expected to pass Haldon Pier, Torquay at around 10.15am.
The return leg is scheduled to leave Torquay at 1.45pm and the last boats should arrive into Cowes by 5pm.
