This weekend its the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Championship
UKOPRA Solent 80 – Offshore Powerboat Action Returns to the South Coast
Date: Saturday, 12 July 2025
That’s this weekend
Location:
Haslar Marina, Gosport – boatfolk Solent 80 course in the Western Solent
What to expect:
High-speed offshore racing featuring multiple boat classes (e.g., Class 1L) Boats “flying” past Haslar and entering high-wind areas in the Solent
Organised by UKOPRA (United Kingdom Offshore Powerboat Racing Association), the Solent 80 promises to deliver one of the most thrilling fixtures on the 2025 championship calendar. Following the high drama of the Poole Bay 100 and the Round the Island Challenge earlier this year, anticipation is high as teams converge on Gosport’s Haslar Marina to battle it out for critical mid-season points.
The race format – named for its approximate 80-mile length – sends competitors hurtling through the Solent in a course designed to test every facet of offshore powerboat racing. Expect a mix of tight turns, open-water speed sections, and unpredictable wave patterns that will challenge even the most seasoned teams. Vessels across various classes, from nimble monohulls to monstrous catamarans, will take to the water, piloted by some of the best racers in the UK and beyond.
Leading the charge is a strong field of returning favourites and hungry newcomers. Teams such as Pippa Racing, Spirit of Inverclyde, and Silverline have made early statements this season, with standout performances in the opening rounds. All eyes will be on reigning Class 1L champion Tom Montgomery, who is expected to bring his twin-engine powerhouse back for another shot at glory. Also tipped to make a splash is the all-female team Venom Racing, who have been turning heads with their skill and precision this season.
Beyond the competition, the Solent 80 is also a celebration of the offshore powerboat racing community. Haslar Marina will be a hive of activity, with pre-race scrutineering, team meet-and-greets, and a chance for fans to get up close with the machines before they hit the water. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good vantage point – prime viewing spots include the outer marina wall, nearby vantage points at Gilkicker Point and Lee-on-the-Solent, or from the water aboard spectator craft.
The racing is expected to start mid-afternoon, depending on conditions. With wind and tide always in play on the Solent, strategy and adaptability will be as important as engine power. Boats will be travelling at speeds exceeding 50 knots (around 60 mph), often just feet apart, as they battle through the chop and wake. Safety crews, marine observers, and race marshals will be in full force to ensure the event runs smoothly and to UKOPRA’s rigorous standards.
One of the key storylines this year is the increased focus on sustainable marine engineering. Several teams are experimenting with hybrid propulsion systems, low-emission fuel blends, and hull designs aimed at reducing drag and fuel consumption. UKOPRA has made it clear that the future of offshore racing must evolve alongside marine environmental priorities – a vision clearly taking shape in 2025’s innovations.
After the chequered flag drops, attention will turn to the social side of the championship. A post-race awards event will take place on-site, giving crews, sponsors, and fans a chance to celebrate, swap stories, and talk tactics ahead of the next round in Lymington this August.
Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan, a curious newcomer, or simply someone who loves to see powerful machines on the edge of control, the UKOPRA Solent 80 offers a weekend of unmissable action. With top-level competition, roaring engines, and the dramatic coastal beauty of the Solent as its backdrop, this is British offshore racing at its very best.
So pack your binoculars, grab your waterproofs, and head to Haslar Marina this Saturday – the powerboats are coming, and the Solent won’t know what hit it.