Cowes Torquay Cowes

It was the impressive team Cinzano that took the top honours in the Cowes Torquay Cowes Race after being the first boat to reach the half way mark at Torquay. The return leg saw Cinzano driven by Simon Wood-Power with Markus Hendricks on the throttles and Eric Smillie in control of navigation put under pressure by Powerboat Asia with Martin Lai, Chun Kit Siu and the races youngest finisher Tom Williams-Hawkes (29)on board.

 Cinzano held their rivals at bay completing the race in 2hours 53 minutes and 44 secs beating Powerboat Asia by a mere 9 seconds to make them the only boat to have won the Cowes Torquay Cowes race four times in the races 51 year history.

 Twenty-six minutes later it was the 40ft Buzzi RIB, Pippa, crewed by the experienced team of Rob Gray, Mike Bontoft, John Caulcutt and Stephen Hemsley who crossed the line to take 3rd place.

 Hazel Smith navigator for My Pleasure II with Driver Gordon Compton was the only female to complete the race after a gruelling 4hours and 51 minutes, powering home to take the finish in 9th position and see Hazel awarded with the Ladies Prize.

 Cowes Poole Cowes

In the shorter Cowes Poole Cowes race the Peters and May Race teams took both first and second places’ in the overall race results.

 Peters and May Racing in the 38ft Donzi driven by Daniel Cramphorn, Kim Collins and Miles Jennings took the overall win and the first in class in the over 300hp category, completing the 34nm race in 42 minutes.

 Taking second overall and first in the P1 Panther Class was the SuperStock Team Peters and May of Darren Hook and Dave Harwood completing the race in 43 minutes and 18 seconds.

 Experienced endurance racer Darren Hook commented: “Through the first two buoys it was rough but the rest was alright it’s all about driving to the conditions”, said Hook. “It’s our first race in this boat and we haven’t had much time in it so we’re pleased. Being a bigger race, navigation played a much bigger part than on short courses and we have a lot of experience in that – so that was a good advantage. It was great being invited to be in the Peters & May boat this weekend, it’s been a great weekend.”

 Completing the overall Cowes Poole Cowes podium and second in class was Team Helvetia Wealth piloted by Shelley Jory-Leigh with navigator Dan Smith taking their first podium finish of the SuperStock season.

 In the under 300hp category Me Too driven by Clive Prestidge and Michael Spinks were the only finishers taking 6th overall with Technohull 888 forced to retire from the race.

 P1 SuperStock 150 Class

Top honours in the SuperStock 150 Class went to Hampshire based Team Purple, with husband and wife team, Stuart and Sara Cureton, extending their lead in the SuperStock Championship. Team Purple had originally finished the race third in class but navigational errors from Team Eclipse’s Rose Lores and Lucci Levi and Team Fox Martin Colligan and Liam McDermott saw them awarded time penalties for missing a buoy and demoted to second and third respectively and saw Team Purple promoted to the top spot.

 “The first bit was rough but it wasn’t too bad, I’ve had worse conditions!” reflected Sara Cureton. “The Sat Nav kept disappearing, it has an anti-shock thing so it keeps cutting out navigation is vital in a race like this. The start was difficult, some people were just steaming past then we’d pass them when they broke down.

 “I’m tired and my neck hurts from the jarring – I think it must be two inches shorter than before! We didn’t go out to win this one because we knew we only have two weeks before the next race, we wanted to be competitive but keep it all in one piece but we will be going for it In Liverpool.”

 Congratulations

The RYA Powerboat Racing Department would like to offer their thanks and congratulations to all involved with the event for their hard work and commitment in creating a successful and safe race.

 An event of this magnitude takes a lot of preparation and these events wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of officials, support crews, racers and safety boats. We would also like to thank the Harbour Masters, Coast Guard and Lifeboat Crews in the areas covered by the race for their support, assistance and co-operation.

View full race results for the Cowes Torquay Cowes and Cowes Poole Cowes races at http://edit.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/RacewithCinzanoandracewiththebest.aspx

Performances

This year’s show will see a show stopping performance from the talented Ronan Parke (recent runner up on the televised Britain’s Got Talent show) to mark the launch of the stunning new Manhattan 53 and the new luxurious Sunseeker interior range, in association with Armani/Casa. The official launch and performances will take place at 11.30am on Friday 16th September.

Incorporating Armani/Casa (available to view on stand C040)

The Armani/Casa style presented the perfect opportunity for Sunseeker International’s design team to produce an exclusive range of interiors for its motoryachts. Sunseeker International have designed interiors for three yachts which will be on display; Predator 84, Predator 60 and Manhattan 63. The full range of Armani/Casa design elements have been considered for each specific design with the primary objective to create distinctive looks that best represent the breadth of design elements in the Armani/Casa collection. The exclusive Armani/Casa design collection includes a subtle and stylish blend of textiles, finishes, and accessories. “The aim is to present a range of Armani/Casa design styles available to clients who may wish to create this dedicated exclusive style for their own personal yachts. The exquisite range is available across all of our motoryachts as an upgrade option” commented Stuart Jones, Interior Design Manager, Sunseeker International.

Manhattan 53 (available to view on stand C040)

 The new Manhattan 53 is stylish and versatile, combining all the attributes of a performance motoryacht. Following the unprecedented success of the Manhattan 52, the new Manhattan 53 offers increased space, volume and a fresh approach to the interior décor that brings it up to date with the very latest fabrics and finishes. Sunseeker’s designers have been extremely careful to ensure a similarly optimised blend between interior layout, exterior social areas and overall proportions. The exterior styling is unmistakably Sunseeker, and thanks to the latest design software, use of a full size interior mock-up has allowed every inch of interior space to be optimised to ensure the best possible use of space. The brand new hull design has been developed to provide increased beam lower accommodation, whilst still providing a sport boat feel coupled with safe, sure and predictable handling.

Further show highlights

A total of eleven Sunseeker motoryachts will be displayed at the show, both on and off the water. The Predator 60 (C040) has an added option of glass sliding cockpit doors and the carbon fibre styling package. In addition, the Predator 130 hard top (displayed on the water, berth M552) will be the largest and most expensive motoryacht at the show priced from £11 million. Boats on display Displayed on the stand (C040) – Predator 84, Predator 64, Predator 60, Manhattan 73, Manhattan 63, Manhattan 53, Portofino 48.

Making the most of his pole position Matt managed to hold on to the race lead. On the second lap Team Qatar and Team Abu Dhabi drivers collided when Qatar’s Al Shamlan spun out in front of Al Tayler leaving him no room to manoeuvre and forcing both to retire with boat damage. On clearing the incident Matt continued to lead the race right to the finish line, ahead of China’s Ziwei and Sweden’s Sjoholm. Saturday’s qualifying saw the Team Atlantic driver caught in dirty water and unable to catch the Bimba Sjoholm’s qualifying time. In just six laps he was 0.0:21 of a second behind the Swede in second on the grid.

From second on the grid Matt got a fantastic start to almost make it look easy as he swept to a convincing win, lapping the two tail-enders, Tobias Munthe-Kaas and Valts Silis. With his second win of the weekend Matt clinched the winners title at the Kiev Grand Prix and with the absence of the two Arab boats, Abu Dhabi and Qatar following their earlier collision, Palfreyman was now leading the overall 2011 F4-s Championship. On his win Palfreyman commented “I’m still on a high from winning in Russia and to now have won both races here in the Ukraine is just fantastic especially as Mum and Dad were here watching.” He continued: “Again I couldn’t have done it without the rest of Team Atlantic, I’ve kind of got the easy job I just have to drive, it’s a real team effort and to take the lead in the championship albeit a narrow one is great it feels like our hard work is really beginning to pay off hopefully now we can keep the momentum and up and extend the lead in China.” The next round of the Championship sees the teams head to Grand Prix of China: Liuzhou, on the 1 – 2 October. Meanwhile Matt will compete for the 2011 F4 British National Sprint Championship this coming weekend (6 – 7 August) at Stewartby in Bedford.

Carter says that proposing not only the sale of the business but with it a plan for Fairline’s development has left the company relatively independent in terms of decision-making. Fairline’s business plan is to focus on product development, the introduction of new technology, and marketing. “Seventy-five redundancies were announced immediately after the dl with Better Capital was struck,” Carter told journalists last night. “The reason is development of technology — we have £1.5m to be invested in a technology cell for the production of wood, furniture and so on.” New models planned for introduction include a 38 Hard Top, a Squadron 50 and a revised Squadron 78 that will be superseded by a Squadron 80 in 2012. Fairline’s marketing initiative will see an ‘evolution’ of its branding launched in December, including a new website, images and strap-lines based on third-party research conducted among clients and marine industry professionals.

Carter also explained how Fairline sees the leisure boat market as flat, with advances in new markets only making up for some of the deterioration endured by Europe and North America as a result of the financial crisis. “In 2008 we did 18 per cent of our business outside the EU,” Carter said. “We now do 41 per cent.”

Fairline plans for growth is to be from model development this year with advances to be made in market share. Carter estimates that Better Capital will stay involved with Fairline for 3-5 years and that the private equity fund sees their investment growing as Fairline’s business grows ‘modestly on the top line, but rapidly on the bottom line’

 “Yamaha’s top priority is the safety of our customers, and we pride ourselves in the safety and quality of our products,” the company added. “The WaveRunner is a safe watercraft when driven responsibly.” In June, a jury found Yamaha mostly responsible for a 2005 accident that killed 14-year-old Jaysell Perez and left Samantha Archer injured for life, according to a report in the Palm Beach Post. The jury also found 1 percent blame for both Archer and retired neurosurgeon Eugene Holly, who let the girls take out his WaveRunner.

Nicolette Archer, who took the girls to the party and gave them permission to ride, was held 10 percent responsible, the Palm Beach Post reported. Attorney Robbie Baker, of Baker, Zimmerman & Perez, along with co-counsel David Kleinberg and Eric Ansel, accused Yamaha of failing to correct what it said was a known steering defect with the personal watercraft and then failing to adequately warn people that an operator could not steer without throttle.

British powerboat racer Scott Curtis from Norwich has claimed his third win in the 2011 F4 World Championship campaign, taking a win on home waters at the British round of the championship held at Stewartby Watersports Club in Bedford (18-19 June).

 Ten of the world’s top competitors battled it out for the all-important points in the campaign, with seven British competitors being joined by entries from France, Portugal and Hungary.

 As the competition got underway Hungarian Richard Bodrogvolgyi flipped on the way to the first turn buoy crashing him out of the 3^rd Round of the World Championship and seeing him relegating from 2^nd in the championship overall down to 4^th.

 At the 31st lap restart Britain’s Scott Curtis got a sensational start taking the best line from his pole position on the grid to the turn buoy. Reigning World Champion Mark Williams sat in second with Matthew Palfreyman in third. The top three held their positions for the first 17 laps until Mark Williams clipped the top turn mark and got the rope caught around his propeller cutting it loose and causing another restart.

 At the second restart Curtis again got the best start but this time current British National Champion Steve Batch was in 2^nd but on rounding buoy four his engine stalled and four times European F4 champion Pedro Fortuna overtook along with the rest of the fleet as he tried to get his engine to restart. Matthew Palfreyman again sat in third.

 The three front runners held their positions until Matt Palfreyman submarined his boat on the 4^th turn boat but recovered quickly and managed to retain his position. Stephen Batch who had found himself at the back of the fleet worked his way back up through the pack to take 4^th.

 But all credit had to go to Scott Curtis who dominated the whole weekend now putting a comfortable 20 point lead between himself and Portugal’s Pedro Fortuna in second before they head to Portugal for the final two rounds of the competition.

 Round four of the Championship takes place at Caldas de Aregos / Resende in Portugal on 16-17 July.

 The F4 World Championship table now stands at:

Boats number 22 and 25 received 0 points as they did not complete 90% of the number of laps of the winner

For more information and to find out how you can get involved in powerboat racing visit www.rya.org.uk

Kate and Adrian Parkhouse from Eastbourne were the lucky winners of the RYA’s prize draw competition to win a day’s personal tuition with RYA Instructor Jon Mendez owner of Mendez Marine and author of the RYA Day Skipper Handbook Motor, which was launched at the London Boat Show in January.

 Adrian and Kate, who have a 25ft Doral called ‘Slip Jig’ which they keep at Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, were delighted that Jon was able to join them on their boat to make the most of the day’s tuition.

 “We gave a lot of thought to what we wanted to concentrate on during the day” explained Adrian. “We are still very much novices in the boating world, and although we both gained our Day Skipper/ ICC qualifications a couple of years ago, we still consider ourselves very inexperienced, especially in less-than-perfect conditions, having never intentionally ventured to sea in more than a Force 3 to 4 or if the words “Moderate” or worse appeared in the sea conditions part of the forecast.

 “We decided, therefore, that it would be good if we could concentrate on handling the boat at sea in roughish conditions, and berthing etc. in strong winds.”

 Luckily the weather didn’t disappoint as the morning dawned in true British Summer fashion with Force 5 to 6 winds! “These were conditions in which we would normally definitely stay tied to the berth, and put the kettle on”, explained Kate. “However Jon’s calm confident manner soon had us locking-out into Eastbourne Bay.”

 The sea conditions were not actually as bad as first feared be, but were ideal for what Adrian and Kate hoped to achieve from the day. With the benefit of a strong wind with tide, they spent over an hour learning how to achieve a comfortable ride using throttle, power trim and trim tabs, both “with” and against the tide.

 “On our return to the relative shelter of the marina, we spent a long time “pontoon bashing”, continued Adrian. “Jon taught us the techniques for berthing, and leaving, in strong winds which were either blowing the boat on to the pontoon, or off it. Later, safely back on the berth (and somewhat drier!) over a cup of coffee and a late lunch, Jon was more than happy for both of us to fire questions at him on all aspects of boating.

 “It was a very enjoyable and interesting day, in which we both learned a great deal. As in his book, Jon explained everything in a clear, friendly and easy to understand way, and his enthusiasm for boating was obvious. We were very grateful for this opportunity to spend a day with such a professional instructor, and such a pleasant, interesting man. Despite getting wet and cold, we spent a lot of the day laughing!!” concluded Kate.

 Jon Mendez who provided the day’s training commented: “It was a pleasure to meet Kate and Adrian and we had a nice breezy day to practise some more advanced boat handling so that they gained a bit of extra confidence of what their boat is capable of!”

 You can purchase a copy of RYA Day Skipper Handbook Motor written by Jon Mendez through the RYA shop at www.rya.org.uk/shop

Two of the south west’s top jet-ski racers are preparing to face their biggest ever challenge in just two weeks from now, 16/17 July, when the stars of the new-for-2011 P1 AquaX Championship arrive in Plymouth for the third round of the season.

Plymouth’s own Tim Cope and Cornwall’s Dale Flood (Downderry), both Yamaha riders, are relishing the opportunity to take on the might of the AquaX contingent – led by Kawasaki ace Russell Marmon (Christchurch, Dorset).Over the course of the first two events in Southampton and Jersey, AquaX has more than lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling and exciting watercraft sports in existence along with the added individuality of being the only jet-ski series which competes on the sea.Clearly, this provides immense challenges for AquaX riders with constantly changing coastal conditions serving up highly unpredictable and massively entertaining racing. With that in mind, there are three distinct classes – Elite 300, Amateur 300 and Amateur 200 – although Cope and Flood will run in an invitation class to keep the championship points situation unambiguous.

Cope and Flood are keen to promote AquaX locally and entice as many spectators as possible to this month’s event which will be contested in The Sound – a prime location offering unrivalled views of all of the racing.

Anyone attending the event on 16/17 July will be able to watch free-of-charge from Plymouth Hoe and the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre, so there really is no excuse not to go along and soak up the incredible atmosphere of AquaX while supporting the two local ‘wildcard’ entries.

“We really can’t wait to have a crack at this”, said Cope, “As the event gets closer we’re quietly getting more and more confident that we’ll be able to do a good job and give the AquaX regulars a closed race. Originally we said we just wanted to go out there and enjoy it but we’re determined to give it our best and fight as hard as we can – the big thing in our favour is racing hard and giving it some beans on the sea!

“Plymouth is a perfect venue for AquaX, it’s a natural auditorium with great views from the Hoe and loads of cafes and bars around. We’re hoping it can be a real success so we can develop this as a regular event over the next few years. It should be a lot of fun, I’m really looking forward to it.”

In the headline Elite 300 class, Kawasaki rider Marmon leads the way from Sea-Doo challenger James Bushell after taking victory in Southampton and Jersey. The vastly experienced Marmon hasn’t had things all his own way though, having been pushed hard by AM300 ace Dave Huddleston (Milton Keynes) and both are hoping for choppy conditions in Plymouth.

“In terms of my personal performance I’m happy with everything so far”, said Marmon, “I’m not bothered about the other competitors, I don’t focus on them at all. I just ride the fastest I can all the time but that does mean I’m very hard on the machinery, break-downs can be a problem for me.

“As far as the conditions go, I like it when it’s choppy on the water as that involves a lot more rider input and skill and that’s my forte really. It makes things much harder physically and that’s what I enjoy the most so hopefully the conditions in Plymouth will be more like that.”

Huddleston adds: “Everything has gone better than expected really so far to be honest, I’ve felt pretty comfortable. Russell has a 50hp power advantage and extra gadgets on his ski which means he’s well ahead when the water is flat but when the conditions get up and the sea gets a bit choppy, that’s when I’m able to run with him more. They’re the kind of conditions I’m hoping for in Plymouth.

Yamaha FX160 rider Duncan Johnstone (Fareham, Hampshire) heads the Amateur 200 Class by a clear margin having won both previous rounds, a sensational start for the rookie who had never raced prior to the first AquaX event. He really has been a revelation over the course of the first two meetings of 2011 and should be a sure-fire bet to continue his fantastic run of success in Plymouth.

“When the conditions have been rougher that’s helped me keep with the elite guys, riding the sea and reading the waves is where I’m happiest but the courses you race on in AquaX are a totally different challenge”, Duncan commented, adding: “There’ll be a bit more competition in Plymouth, some of the two-strokes will be quicker off the mark and that’ll make it difficult for me on my FX160.”

Along with the AquaX action, race-goers will be able to enjoy the awesome spectacle of Britain’s premier Powerboat racing series, the P1 SuperStock Championship. The Plymouth Grand Prix of the Sea will be the second round of the season which got underway in terrific style in Jersey last month.

And if you don’t think a jet-ski can loop the loop then just watch the stunning AquaX freestyle display by British Champion Jack Moule.

In both AquaX and P1 SuperStock, the first day of action in Plymouth on Saturday, 16 July, will mean ‘Match’ racing, a series of one-on-one timed contests in which the quickest rider will progress to the next round. On Sunday, 17 July, the headline races for AquaX will take place on the SuperStock powerboat course, providing a huge test of both stamina and skill.

AquaX timetable:

Saturday

12.00 AquaX Freestyle Display by Jack Moule

16.30 AquaX Match Races

Sunday

11.00 AquaX Freestyle Display by Jack Moule

13.15 AquaX Moto 1

15.45 AquaX Moto 2

17.00 AquaX and SuperStock podium presentations, Mount Batten Watersports Centre

For further information visit www.p1aquaX.com

The custom-built 26m Ferretti 830 ‘Cirpriana’ is one of the largest yachts to be fitted with a UAL ultrasonic antifouling system. The 2010 built Ferretti had been fitted with 3 Ultra 20, Dual Voltage systems with a total of 6 transducers. Following the yacht’s first lift out in May, the owner was delighted with the results.

“Compared to the antifouling system I had on my last yacht, the Ultra 20 Series is fantastic. We cruised extensively and docked in very green and stale waters so I was delighted with the results this technology produced. Normally we have to send a diver down to scrub the hull before our 120 mile cruise to the lifting dock as fouling reduces speed, and dramatically increases fuel consumption, but this year the diver was not needed, since there was no reduction in speed. The reason why was obvious after the lift,” commented Ozmerter.

UAL Director, Nick Griffin, said: “It is always great to receive customer feedback but this is a special achievement for us as it is one of the biggest motor yachts we have fitted with our Ultra system. To gain the most comprehensive results the placement of the transducers is critical so our engineers visited the shipyard on a couple of occasions to oversee installation. We are pleased that Mr Ozmerter is happy with his Ultra 20 and look forward to working with him on his next yacht.”

Following considerable design development of its much praised antifouling technology, Ultrasonic Antifouling Ltd has introduced its new Ultra Series II system which makes installation even easier and further increases performance, ensuring owners enjoy their boating to the full with minimal yearly labour and cost.

For more information, visit www.ultrasonic-antifouling.com.

Widely regarded as one of the very best venues in the world for powerboat racing, Plymouth has delivered some fantastic action in years gone by and the second round of the five-event P1 SuperStock Championship is expected to produce some truly outstanding motorsport.With free-of-charge vantage points from Plymouth Hoe and the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre, spectators are in for an absolute treat with every bit of racing visible from dry land.

If the opening round, the Peters & May Jersey Grand Prix of the Sea, was anything to go by, the racing in both classes – P1 Panther 250 and P1 150 – will be electric.Jersey saw a strong debut for the brand new 250hp Panther 28SS boat and reigning P1 150 Champion John Wilson (Coleshill, West Midlands) – along with navigator Neil Scarborough (Monks Risborough, Bucks) – made history and the perfect start with two wins to take an early points lead.

Starting with the Plymouth race the duo compete with a new livery and team name, Pertemps, after securing sponsorship from the leading recruitment agency – one of the Sunday Times ‘Top 100 best companies to work for’. “Now SuperStock is a one design category, winning races is focussed on driver and navigator skills plus teamwork, this make it a very good fit for Pertemps as its business is all about people skills and developing teams in the work place“, said Wilson.

Plymouth has also been a successful place for John in the past and he is relishing returning, commenting, “Plymouth has a natural amphitheatre for racing and therefore is fantastic for spectators, particularly as the course this year goes very close to shore. Personally, it has been a very good place for me as I had my first win in Plymouth back in 2009.

Consistently strong second and third places in Jersey enabled the Typhoo boat of Andy Wilby (Fleet, Hampshire) and Johnny Allbut (Southampton) to end the opening round in second place in the championship while lying third in the P1 250 standings is the Team 88 duo of powerboat racing rookie Simon Bayles (Battersea, London) and navigator Philippa Baker (Kensington, London). Former semi-professional rugby player Bayles and fellow newcomer Baker produced a truly exceptional performance on their debut, stunning the experienced regulars by improving on fifth in race one with a fantastic second place in race two.

“I absolutely loved Jersey”, said Bayles. “I was relatively nervous to begin with but the first race was fantastic. We got behind Shelley Jory-Leigh and knowing her pedigree we just stuck to her like glue! That set us up well for the next race as we knew the course by then and had a good run.“In Plymouth a lot will depend on the conditions. If it’s rough it could split everyone up as those with experience of tougher conditions will have the edge. We’re learning all the time but if the water is fairly flat, as it was in Jersey, we know what we can do.”

Husband and wife pairing Stuart and Sara Cureton (Lindford, Hampshire) absolutely dominated the P1 150 class during round one and, while confident they would make a strong start to the season, the Team Purple crew admits surprise at just how clear their winning margins were in the two points-scoring races.“We were more than happy with Jersey if a little surprised at just how far ahead we were”, said Stuart, “The boat went really well but it’s been through an amazing amount of preparation. I think in Plymouth we’ll be able to maintain the same level of performance but I’m sure everyone else will be pushing harder. Jersey will have been a wake-up call. I’m sure it’s all going to be much closer for the next round.”

Second in the P1 150 championship is the Eclipse entry of Rose Lores (Stubbington, Hampshire) and Tom Hunter thanks to a pair of second places. With Plymouth being Lores’ favourite venue, she’s looking forward to round two and going into the event with high hopes. “My first race was in Plymouth back in 2006 and I’ve had great success there too so I certainly have a soft spot for the City”, said Lores, “The Sound is quite sheltered so I’m hopeful of fairly calm conditions again. The boat is better on calm water and I much prefer that. I got second place twice in Jersey but I am confident we have a good chance of victory in Plymouth.”

With three weeks remaining until the Plymouth Grand Prix of the Sea, one racer unsure he’ll be on the startline is reigning SuperStock Champion Rupert Pugh (Matlock, Derbyshire). After taking third place in race one in Jersey, bitter disappointment followed in the second encounter when steering pump failure on the sixth lap robbed Pugh and Devon-based navigator Anthony Crossley (Sidmouth) of the win.

“Jersey was our first time in the Edox boat. It took us one race to get up to speed and get used to it – it’s very different to last year’s boat – and then we held the lead convincingly in the second race, led by quite a way, but the steering failed”, explained Pugh.“The big excitement for me was to be so competitive as soon as we’d sussed it out, the handling characteristics are very different to last year and the boat is much more stable. Something that’s more important than ever this year with the new boat is the navigator’s role, it’s very much like rallying in cars – the driver and navigator combination that gels the best will be the most successful.”“I’m still not confirmed for Plymouth but hopefully we’ll have an opportunity to be there. It’s a fantastic venue for Powerboat racing, spectators can see the whole course from the Hoe so you get to see all the action.”

The current timetable for the Plymouth Grand Prix of the Sea starts with the exciting one-on-one ‘match’ racing format taking place at 14.15 on Saturday, 16 July, with the two main points-scoring races being held at 12.00 and 14.00 on Sunday, 17 July. As ever, supporting action will come courtesy of the fabulous AquaX series, the only jet-ski class currently competing on the sea.