British powerboat racer, Andy Smith, tragically passed away last Wednesday, at the untimely age of 56.

Smith had been competing in the UKOPRA series since 2018, in a FB Design RIB named Pippa.

Andy with son Dan last year at Poole
Photo: Anthony Hadaway

Team Smith (Andy Smith, his sons, Dan and Matt Smith, and friend Jack Weller) have enjoyed a number of successes over the last few years, including placing 2nd in the 2019 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes. Smith and his team also won the Poole Bay 100 in August of last year, in what was to be his last race.

UKOPRA Chairman, Kerry Bobin commented on the news:

While Andy was extremely well known and loved on the water for his whole life he had only very recently taken up the challenge of racing himself goaded on by his sons Dan and Matt.

But what an impact.

He was not only a winner but a true gentleman both on and off the water and just about the most capable helmsman you would ever meet.

We would like to pass on our condolences to the Smith family, on behalf of the powerboat racing community.