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The 2008 Cowes Torquay Cowes Race Film |
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Photo Beken of Cowes |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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? |
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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. |
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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. |
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Long live the Cowes Torquay or as it was
more commonly known "The Big One"! |
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This introduction was kindly written for
The B.P.R.C. |
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by Mike James |
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