9 Offshore Racing boats battled through a tough Poole Bay course yesterday, the first to run there for 5 years.

However, this race was organised without recognising Britain’s powerboat racing governing body, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

Licences and Log Books were issued for free using a quick and simple online process and the competitors and their boats were checked for racing competency and conforming to the rules. 

Using a team of experienced race organisers, the Saturday race ran like a Swiss Watch, even with difficult weather conditions.

Nick and Jeremy Newsam took the overall honours in their Frode, Team Draper Tools Racing.

Incredibly the 6 finishers all crossed the finish line within a couple of minutes.

Dave Sheldon made his Offshore Racing comeback in a new Phantom 19G, Multispark Racing that had only hit the water that morning. Sadly, his throttle broke putting him out of the race, he said after:

I’m just pleased to have had the chance to race the boat this year!

Racing returned to Poole, local resident, entrepreneur and 2016 Cowes Torquay Cowes winner Richard Carr said at a sunny prize giving:

This race has proved that it can be done, it will set the ball rolling for next year and I have a plan for an event here!

Class X-Ray (UIM equivalent Class 3X)

1st) Team Draper Tools Racing – Nick and Jeremy Newsam
2nd) Ananab Racing – Graham Reeder and Martin Foster
3rd) Fat Boy – Mark and Andrew Childs

Class Alpha Bravo (UIM equivalent Classes 3A & 3B)

1st) Licence To Thrill – Lee Ornsby and Ross Mcgreggor
2nd) Motorvated Racing – Jack Bobin and Barry Culver

Class Basic

1st) The Beaver Returns – Brian and Thomas Pelham

Photos: Mike Powell