More than 40 boats producing 28,000hp will line up this weekend to battle it out
This weekend the Solent will roar with the sound of 28,000hp as more than 40 boats compete in the Cowes Classic 2012 Powerboat Festival.
The event, organised by the British Powerboat Racing Club, will culminate on Sunday with two races – the historic Cowes-Torquay-Cowes (CTC) and Cowes-Poole-Cowes.
The CTC is open to UIM Marathon Class boats and will see German Marcus Hendricks and his team of Simon Wood Power and Eric Smillie return to defend their title in Cinzano.
Both races start between 10am and 10.30am on Sunday morning. The best viewing for the start can be found at Hurst Castle on the mainland or Fort Albert on the Isle of Wight
On Saturday spectators will have the opportunity to get up close to the boats as they crowd into Cowes Yacht Haven for scrutineering and testing.
“The Cowes Classic would not have such a formidable reputation if it was easy,” organisers said, “and even the best prepared boats are at the mercy of the elements. Both vessel and crew must endure hours of bone jarring splashdowns over the relentless waves.
“There is so much outside of human control and yet, despite the risks and potential dangers, competitors keep coming back to compete for the prestigious Beaverbrook Trophy, awarded each year for the first boat to complete the race.”
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