Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat Race

The 2008 Cowes Classic Powerboat race set off to a flying start with perfect sea conditions and the sun shining on the Solent waters. The fleet of 37 boats left the Cowes Yacht Haven to a running start at Hurst Spit. 24 boats took part in the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race with 13 boats taking part in the Cowes-Poole-Cowes race. For the first time in two decades the race ran without stopping to re-fuel in Torquay.

Fabio Finishes First

The early leader Honey Party/169 was well placed on the Westward run until a power failure forced his retirement six miles South of Exmouth. The lead from then on became a battle between the two Italian entries, Fabio Buzzi, and Mario Invernizzi driving RED FPT/177 and Silicon Fire/60.

It was bow to bow back to the Cowes finish with Buzzi – 2hours 18minutes 5 seconds - winning by a mere 4 seconds over his fellow countryman Invernizzi 2hours 18minutes 9seconds. This was Fabio's final race, as it was the 65 year old veteran powerboat racer's intention to retire following the event. Representing an average speed of 91.01mph for the 184 mile course - the second fastest speed in the 46 year history of the event. 3rd place went to Venture/111 – Andy Macateer, Nick Wilner, Steve Macher & Will Barrett in 2hours 36minutes 7seconds.

79 year old Keith Schellenberg - the oldest person in the race - in Yellow Drama/17 - placed 2nd in their class and 17th overall - first took part in the race in 1962 in Blue Moppie.

First over the line in the Cowes-Poole-Cowes race were Team Conrad/26 – Daniel Cramphorn, Kim Collins & Barry Keen – who completed the race in 31minutes 45 seconds with an average speed of 79.38 mph. 2nd place went to Bat out of Hell/V2 – Mark Brewster & Lance Selby with 3rd place going to Maverick/V8 - Andy Twemlow & Neil Jackson.

Project Racing/B28 – James Sydenham & Sally Osborne – ran out of fuel 300 yards short of the of the finish line by 300 and paddled their boat over the line to finish 6th overall.

Mike Lloyd, Event Director said, ‘I followed the race all the way to Bridport and the race crews seemed to be enjoying themselves. We were blessed with great weather and ideal sea conditions. We are already looking forward to racing again next year.’

Saved in the nick of time

This year's event was made possible by the British Powerboat Racing Club in conjunction with the Cowes Organising Committee, who stepped in after Powerboat P1 originally decided to cancel the 2008 Cowes Classic powerboat event back in July as a result of insufficient entries. Following meetings with the Cowes Yacht Haven and other interested parties the British Powerboat Racing Club was delighted to have an amazing 37 boats take part; especially considering the whole event was only put together in the space of three short weeks!

Mike Lloyd said, 'We have been able to resurrect this event due to the passion and dedication of those involved and to the generosity of those who wish to see the race, which started in the Solent waters in 1960 as the brainchild of Sir Max Aitken and John Coote, continue to grace the Solent waters. We are especially grateful to the Cowes Yacht Haven for their help and collaboration and to all those who have given their time and energy to save this event.'

Please use the following links to view the full Cowes-Torquay-Cowes results or the Cowes-Poole-Cowes results.

Text courtesy of Jane Jones - J2 Communications
Photographs courtesy of Kenneth Beken

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