The Pavia Venezia raid was one of the most grueling and iconic powerboat races in the world. It spanned 225 kilometers along the river Po in Italy, from Pavia to the magnificent city of Venice. The race had a long and storied history, and the 70th edition was about to begin. 

Guido had dreamt of conquering this race since he was a young boy. He had come close several times, but victory had always slipped through his fingers. Determined to change his fate, he assembled a team of skilled engineers and mechanics to help him build the perfect boat for the race. 

Months of hard work, dedication, and meticulous planning went into creating the ultimate DACF1 powerboat. Guido’s team crafted a sleek and powerful vessel, equipped with the latest technology in the World, The Mercury 360 APX and designed for maximum speed and control.  

 It was a work of art, a masterpiece that would carry Guido to victory. 

On the day of the race, the air buzzed with anticipation as powerboat enthusiasts and spectators gathered along the riverbanks. The atmosphere was electric, as the roar of engines echoed through the air. Guido stood at the helm of his magnificent creation, ready to take on the challenge that had haunted him for years. 

As the starting signal sounded, Guido’s boat shot forward like a bullet. The other competitors tried to keep up, but Guido’s skill and determination were unmatched. He navigated the treacherous river with precision, pushing the boat to its limits and beyond. The crowd watched in awe as Guido’s vessel weaved through the water, leaving a trail of spray in its wake. 

Guido pushed himself and his boat to new heights. He faced choppy waves, narrow channels, and strong currents with unwavering focus. The journey was long and grueling, testing both man and machine. But Guido’s spirit burned brighter than ever before. 

Finally, after an intense and exhilarating race, Guido approached the finish line in Venice. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers as he crossed the threshold, his boat triumphantly slicing through the water. Guido had done it. He had conquered the Pavia Venezia raid, ending his long-standing quest for victory. 

Guido’s name was etched in the history books once again, this time as the champion of the 70th edition of the Pavia Venezia raid. He had proven himself as the King of Powerboating, an icon of the sport who would forever be remembered for his skill, determination, and unwavering passion. 

Guido stood on the podium, bathed in the glory of his accomplishment. With a smile on his face and a gleam in his eye, he dedicated his victory to his team, his family, and all the powerboat enthusiasts who had supported him throughout his journey.  

Guido Cappellini had left an indelible mark on the world of powerboating, and his legend would live on for generations to come. 

Won the raid, but was it a record ? 

The short answer is, NO. It would have been if the gearbox and propeller would not have been totally damaged when Guido hit driftwood in over 200 km/h with only a few nautical miles left.

We anticipate the King of PO will be back once more. . Now as a winner of Pavia Venezia, 70th edition.

The story to be updated.

PRW : Guido, 2nd attempt, with the DAC F1 – and 360 Mercury APX engine. What do u think of this years chances ?

The condition is now very good, we have a lot of water in the river Po, so we are working hard to set a perfect line. We are testing alot, and am very confident that we can break the record. Last year we was on good pace, when a small technical problem forced us to withdraw, thats all behind us – and we are ready for the 70th edition of the raid.

In her first year of competing, she won the UK Offshore Boating Association Class 3D Championship with Mike Standring sat alongside her in their Steve Baker designed Phantom 25 monohull Agfa Bluebird. They also collected the Royal Yachting Association Class 3 National Championship title.

Later, that year they both competed in the Everest Double Glazing sponsored Round Britain Powerboat Race. Weather conditions for the first leg were poor and of the twenty-eight starters at Portsmouth, only eighteen boats reached Falmouth. Agfa Bluebird stuffed off Anvil Point and was towed back into Poole Harbour. That wasn’t the end though because after drying out the boat they re-joined the race only for Campbell to sprain her ankle later. Even with these miss fortunes the pair still completed the ten-day endurance race which was won by the world-famous Italian racer and boat builder, Fabio Buzzi, in the equally famous White IVECO, completing the course in just over twenty-seven hours of the toughest sea conditions ever seen.

Now hoping the water conditions will be a lot calmer is the UKOPRA British Offshore Champion Drew Langdon when he tries once again to finish another endurance event, the 70th edition of the Raid Pavia Venezia racing Campbell’s Agfa Bluebird. Even by powerboat racing standards this one is an unusual event that ran for the first-time last year after a break of ten years.

When Langdon spoke to PRW he said

My dear old friend Fabio Buzzi was always talking to me about doing the race. And it’s a shame that I couldn’t do it while he was still around. Nevertheless, we gave it a go last year and to be fair the day I spent having the boat scrutineered before the race was worth going just for that because I met so many of my old friends from Italy, though it must have been ten since we last met, to me it only felt like yesterday.

For Langdon, last year’s race was a bit of a disaster. He went with a boat that he though was race ready, but it was far from it, and he didn’t get much further than the hook of the crane. Back then there were ninety entries, and he was the sole British competitor. Since then, the word has gotten out as amongst the one hundred and fifty-eight boats entered eight of them are British offshore teams.

Although the Phantom was originally rigged for a driver and navigator, Langdon will be making the trip along the Po River to Venice by himself.

I have given the race a great deal of thought and I did consider taking a mechanic along in the navigator seat in case of any mechanical issues. Yes, I want to complete the race, but at the same time I want to do well overall. Having that extra weight in the hull because the crew do not count as the dry weight of the boat makes it uncompetitive and if something did go mechanically wrong in that race then its game over because there is no time to make any repairs.

In preparation for the race Langdon spent today out testing in Torquay, England and he felt extremely comfortable having re-rigged the Phantom over the winter. Race Marine have rebuilt the two Mercury powerheads and the speed has certainly improved. He told PRW that it was an incredibly good test session, and they were able to try out three different propeller choices.

I am now able to drive the boat and not fight it the whole time, something that will be key on a journey of over four hundred kilometres. I am encouraged that there are more competitors entered from the UK as this race needs to be supported, it’s full of history, and it will be an adventure for all of us. Plus, it’s great to fly the flag on such a historical boat once more.

Testing images by Tim Tapping.