Cowes Torquay Cowes

Aug 21st, 2008 | By Carolyn Keene | In: Cowes, Featured News, Isle of Wight Event News, Lifestyle, Sport, Tourism

Cowes Classic Powerboat: Fabio Finishes First
Update: Photo Galleries 2008 Now Online click here:

The Cowes-Torquay-Cowes one of the worlds oldest and most prestigious powerboat races planned for August Bank Holiday, that was cancelled last month, is now back on and roaring to go.

Initiated by Sir Max Aitken in 1961 as the first European offshore race of the modern era, the Cowes classic has always provided a taxing test of crew and machine and for the boats that cross the Solent start line this weekend, it will be no different.

This 48th edition of the “Cowes Classic” will run under the burgee of the British Powerboat Racing Club and will see a return to the non-stop Cowes-Torquay-Cowes format.

Following the failure of Powerboat P1 Management Ltd, to attract entries, the British Powerboat Racing Club Organisers were delighted when Mike Lloyd, mastermind behind the 2008 Round Britain Race, stepped in at short notice to take the helm.

The 2008 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes starts with the muster off the Royal Yacht Squadron at 9.45am on Saturday 23rd August.

The race of 180 nautical miles is often described as the ‘Le Mans of the sea’ and can be a gruelling endurance event for boats and pilots in very difficult waters.

Mike Lloyd, Event Director 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.’

Female Classic Elegance

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This weekend sees British powerboat champion, Shelley Jory, taking the helm of a classic boat to compete in the classic Cowes-Torquay-Cowes power boat race.

The legendary Fabio Buzzi and Class 1 Driver Hannes Bohinc have both pledged their support for the race. This will be Fabio’s final race, as the 65 year old veteran powerboat racer intends to retire following the event.

Also joining the 41 entrants is local Cowes powerboat owner Tony Hamilton. Tony took part in the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Powerboat Race recently and after being air-lifted to hospital during the race is resolute in his determination to return to the water for the Cowes Classic.

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Tony said,

Fabio has been an inspiration to many and is highly respected throughout the powerboating world.

He is a racer’s racer and is a legend in his own lifetime. The fact that he has chosen the Cowes – Torquay – Cowes race to end his racing career is a tribute to Cowes as he could have picked any race anywhere in the world.

I and many others will support this race not only for Fabio but for the continuation of the race for future generations of powerboaters.

2008 Update: Photo Galleries 2008 Now Online

The 2008 Cowes Classic Powerboat race set off to a flying start with perfect sea conditions and the sun shining on the Solent waters.

Cowes Classic Powerboat: Fabio Finishes First

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.

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. Read More: