Cowes–Torquay–Cowes Powerboat Race Roars into Life

A Legacy of Speed

First launched in 1961, this race quickly earned its reputation as the “world’s longest-running offshore powerboat race”—and for good reason. Conceived by Sir Max Aitken, the inaugural event captured the imagination of boating fans and helped spark a wave of offshore races across Europe and the Middle East. With a course charted from the Solent to the English Channel’s southern coast and back, the race throws every challenge at crews—choppy seas, variable tides, coastal hazards like Portland Bill and Start Point, and the demand to average long stretches at thrilling speeds.

Race Morning: Tension & Thunder

At 0800, the fleet assembled at Cowes Yacht Haven, eagerly rigged, polished, and ready for action. A procession down the Solent led them to a tense pre-start zone off Old Castle Point, where the fleet formed under watchful eyes of the marshals and the Cowes Harbour authorities. At exactly 0900, engines screamed, wakes fanned out, and the fleet launched westward on the 210‑nautical‑mile odyssey. Just fifteen minutes later, the Cowes–Poole–Cowes race followed, offering a shorter but blistering alternative challenge.

Through the English Channel and Down South

The course threads past the white cliffs of the Needles, dances through the ever-changing currents of Lyme Bay, and hugs the coast toward Start Point. Skippers push their boats to the limit—some soaring toward 100 mph and beyond. At around midday, boats hit Torquay, where they briefly slow, socialize, and recharge—usually stopping at Haldon Pier or mooring in Torquay Marina for the local crowds to cheer and wave Wikipedia+3English Riviera+3Facebook+3.

The Return Dash

After roughly 90 minutes of pit-stop breathing room, engines fire again, and it’s back up the Channel. Winds and seas may shift; mechanical failures can silence giants. Only the sharpest withstand the rigours of the return, racing hard until the finish line in sight—marked between East Lepe buoy and a committee boat just offshore.

At the line, racers must drop off plane and throttle well back—making for a long drift back to Cowes, still at skinny speeds to respect harbour speed limits. The Cowes–Torquay–Cowes race dishes out several coveted prizes: the Beaverbrook Trophy for overall winner; the Montagu Trophy for fastest average speed; the BPRC International Trophy for top international entry; and the historic Harmsworth Trophy—a rare piece of maritime lore. The Sea has its legends: Silverline’s record speed, the daring of Italian powerhouses of the 1980s, the return of British champions like Langdon & Jennings—all etched into the belt of glory. For many, just finishing is a triumph of crew, boat, and grit.

Behind the Thrill

Besides the power and speed, the race has always been a testing ground for reliability and seamanship. The Channel is unforgiving to the reckless—or the unprepared. It’s a narrative of heart, engine, and hull—all in symphony with the elements.

Today’s edition is no exception. Spectators along Cowes’ Parade and from Torquay’s beachfront enjoyed adrenaline-fuelled stunts. Marina terraces and harbour pontoons echoed with cheers as boats roared past. For fans and crews alike, it wasn’t just a race—it was a full-throttle page in a decades-old saga.

Final Word

When the dust—or rather spray—settles, one thing is certain: the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes powerboat race remains a clash of metal, nerve, and willpower. Every August bank holiday Sunday delivers a story of speed against sea, endurance in spray, and a tradition that continues roaring into its 64th running