COWES-TORQUAY OFFSHORE POWERBOAT RACE
August 2010 will be a significant date for the legendary Cowes Torquay offshore powerboat race or as it is now known the Cowes Classic, when it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Interest is already being shown by the Americans who in the early years often dominated the race, famous winners including Jim Wynn, Dick Bertram and of course 3 times World Champion Betty Cook. Entries can also be expected from Italy, Germany, Scandinavia and possibly Greece.
In conjunction with the 50th staging of the Cowes Classic, by the BPRC, upwards of 27 classic race boats, which entered between the years 1961 to 1999, have pre registered with the Classic Offshore Powerboat Owners Club. They are to recreate the first race with a rally at Torquay and after celebrations there will motor to Cowes in time for the Cowes Classic race.
Craft expected for this unique gathering will include many of the successful Fairey built entrants plus Tommy Sopwith’s first winner “THUNDERBOLT” which has been restored over a 4 year period, it is also hoped that the American winner in 1966, “GHOST RIDER” will be shipped over by her owner, HORBA & COPOC member Barry Cohen. Also registered are many of the unsung craft that braved the elements of this the longest and toughest offshore race still being staged.
Anyone who has a boat, which was entered in the race and would like to join in the celebrations, is asked to contact
John Iddon at
seahunter325@hotmail.com
Mike James at
TOMMYSTBOLT@AOL.COM
or the BPRC at
www.britishpowerboatracingclub.co.uk
