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The 2008 Cowes Torquay Cowes Race Film

 

Photo Beken of Cowes

 
This DVD captures the thrills of the 2008 Cowes Torquay Cowes race. Three weeks before the race Powerboat P1 withdrew their support, The BPRC took over the running of the race and then on Saturday the 23rd of August saw one of the most exciting events ever!

Quantity

If you were to discuss modern day powerboat racing with anyone younger than 30 chances are they will know little of the origins of the sport in Britain and even less of the personalities behind its rebirth in the 1960's.
Would Shelly Jory be racing today, what would the Gavin Parsonages of this world be doing if it wasn't for people like Lady Vi Aitken, Fiona Countess of Arran, Tim Powell, Clive Curtis, James Beard and others to numerous to mention who made their mark no matter how large or small. The pioneers of a sport which had humble beginnings but rose to a pinnacle in the 1970's and 1980's and was to inspire a revolution in the safe, seaworthy and capable craft that families use today, no matter what the size.
The inception of first Cowes Torquay powerboat race in 1961, set the standard for the rest of the world to follow, the sport, resurrected by Sir Max Aitken after its pre war decline and subsequent rebirth in the States in the 1950's, was to become the proving ground for some of the most famous designers, builders and engine manufacturers in the marine world of today.
If Sir Max had not been inspired by the Miami Nassau race of 1959 and set about bringing the sport back to these shores, would we have built the reputation this country has achieved throughout the past 4 decades, resulting in an industry reckoned to earn worldwide in excess of some £2.9 billion, of which £1  Billion is through international trade. That employs 37,000 full time staff, with Powerboat builders alone producing upwards of £679.07 million worth of craft?
The BPRC are the guardians of a sport that set standards and are bringing their wealth of knowledge to bear on re establishing true offshore endurance racing as it was when the revival began in 1961.
With the capable Mike Lloyd of 2008 Round Britain fame at the helm, revitalised interest from entrants and spectators alike, it would appear that Sir Max Aitken's original ideas could be set for a 21st century revival, with technology unheard of in 1961 but the everyday sailor again reaping the benefits of Offshore Powerboat Racing.
Long live the Cowes Torquay or as it was more commonly known "The Big One"!

This introduction was kindly written for The B.P.R.C.

  by Mike James

 

WEBSITE - JOHN MOORE 2008