Powerboat Articles
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.
© Michael Hodges
Cowes roars, Torquay answers—the world’s greatest offshore powerboat race never lifts its throttle
24-08-2025
The Princess F58, the crown jewel of Princess Yachts’ F Class lineage, unveiled with style at Boot Düsseldorf 2025. This 59-foot-9-inch (18.2-meter) flybridge stunner, slotted sleekly between the F55 and F65, is the British brand’s latest ode to luxury living on the water. Launched this January in Plymouth, it’s tailored for the jet-set family or the ultimate entertainer, promising coastal chic from the Mediterranean to the British Virgin Islands.
Crafted from GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) with cutting-edge techniques, the F58’s hull and superstructure are a lightweight yet robust masterpiece, its elegant lines slicing through the waves with a 4.
23-08-2025
After years in the wilderness, one of powerboating’s most entertaining traditions is roaring back to life on the South Coast. The UK Powerboating Club has confirmed that the inaugural Solent Powerboat Poker Run will be staged on 25 August 2025 — and already the buzz is spreading from Cowes to the Hamble.
22-08-2025
Sail takes a back seat this weekend as the offshore racers roll in for Round 4 of the 2025 UKOPRA Championship — and this one’s set to be a belter. The Lymington Challenge kicks off Saturday, August 9th, with a fleet of 15 boats battling it out in the fast-flowing waters of the Western Solent. Expect noise, speed, and a proper offshore showdown between Hamstead Ledge and the Needles.
08-08-2025
Picture a sun-soaked horizon where the sky kisses the sea, and luxury transforms into a lifestyle. Welcome to the world of flybridge yachts, where elegance meets innovation on the water. These magnificent vessels are not just a means of travel; they are floating sanctuaries that redefine opulence and adventure. From their spacious upper decks offering panoramic views to luxurious interiors crafted for ultimate comfort, flybridge yachts elevate your sailing experience to new heights. In this article, we unveil the top 10 flybridge yachts that epitomise elegance and sophistication. Join us as we explore these aquatic masterpieces, each promising a journey filled with serenity, style, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned yacht enthusiast or a curious newcomer, prepare to be inspired by the beauty and allure of these remarkable vessels. Dive into the world of flybridge yachts and discover how they set the standard for luxury on the water.
27-07-2025
A Classy Compact Cruiser That Goes the Distance
For boaters who dream of escaping for a weekend on the water without sacrificing performance or comfort, the Regal 2665 Commodore has long stood as a well-balanced option. Built with Regal Boats’ signature attention to craftsmanship and detail, this mid-sized express cruiser packs big-boat features into a trailerable hull. Whether you're stepping up from a bowrider or downsizing from a 30-footer, the 2665 makes a compelling case as a versatile, family-friendly cruiser.
27-07-2025
The Sunseeker Martinique 36, a classic sports cruiser from the renowned British shipyard Sunseeker. I had one of these many years ago and I loved it. Nice and powerful 24 Knots on the plane, (some times a bit faster). It was my first real boat and at the time with a young family it was great. They epitomise luxury and performance for boating enthusiasts. Launched in the late 1980s and early 1990s, this model, designed by Don Shead, measures approximately 10.8 to 11.58 meters in length with a beam of around 3.65 meters, offering a balance of sleek design and practical space. Its GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) hull and planing underwater profile ensure excellent handling, achieving cruising speeds of about 28 knots and a maximum speed of up to 34 knots, depending on engine configuration.
24-07-2025
Under blazing skies and with the Solent simmering in summer heat, the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Championships roared back into action on Saturday with the third round of the series: the legendary “Solent 80.” Eighteen boats took on the demanding clockwise circuit around the Isle of Wight, delivering drama, mechanical heartbreak, and spectacular performances—classic offshore racing in all its noisy, unpredictable glory.
21-07-2025
This weekend, the waters of the Solent will come alive with high-octane action as Round 3 of the 2025 UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Championship roars into Haslar Marina for the much-anticipated Solent 80. Set for Saturday, 12 July, this event is shaping up to be a showcase of raw speed, adrenaline-fuelled competition, and technical mastery – all played out against the iconic backdrop of the south coast’s legendary boating waters.
12-07-2025
There are days when the Solent feels like it’s holding its breath, and Saturday June 14th was one of them. With a pale blue sky above and the early morning mist still lingering like a sea ghost, Poole Quay slowly filled with the unmistakable growl of engines and the calm intensity of men and women who live for the roar of open water.
16-06-2025
Gary Aldington and Tom Gardner in 'Double Trouble' (1-88) went one better than in 2024 clinching the top position in the opening race of the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Championships with an impressive average speed of 99.35 mph.
23-05-2025
Exploring the unprecedented power and dynamic performance of the Temo 1000 Electric Outboard, redefining expectations of electric propulsion.
19-05-2025