New mark for Honda race boats
Boat show boss James Brooke set a new record for circling the Isle of Wight.
James, head of the Sail, Power & Watersports Show, which takes place at Earls Court in November, drove one of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke powerboats around the island at 5am on Saturday in 1 hour, 9 minutes and 22 seconds.
The average speed for the 57-mile trip was 49.77mph.
James was joined in the Cougar race boat, named Team Earls Court, by navigator and Daniel Whapples, who is also production director at Cougar Marine.
After arriving back in Cowes, James (pictured left) said: “We experienced a range of different sea states, and passing St Catherines Point was particularly exciting with the sun dawning over the island as we raced over the roughest part of the trip.
“Thanks to Cougar for building a great hull and to Honda for designing a superb engine”.
The duo attempted the challenge to promote powerboating and hope that others will try to better their mark.
Team Earls Court will be in action again at the Honda Formula 4-Stroke series’ next meet, in Liverpool from 15-17 August.
