Torbay Council is once again supporting the Cowes Classic, one of the most spectacular powerboats events in the British sporting calendar, on Sunday 31 August.

The first race boats will arrive in Torquay from Cowes at 10.00am depending on the weather conditions and will be available for viewing from Haldon Pier from this time. There will be a parade lap off just off the pier at approximately 1.15pm before the boats set off for the race back to Cowes.

Torbay’s Mayor and Leader, Gordon Oliver, said: “Torquay has a long history with the British Powerboat race dating back to 1961 and it is an extremely impressive event which can be enjoyed from the shore.

“With international entries, it is renowned as one of the most famous endurance races in the world. We are privileged to be able welcome the competitors and powerboats ashore as they stop in Torquay as one leg of the overall race.”

“Competitors will come ashore for a prize giving ceremony giving residents and visitors the opportunity to view the boats up close. Following the break, the boats will line up to start the race back to Cowes, giving spectators a real treat.

“Once again, this promises to be a great day in our events calendar and we will give competitors and spectators a warm English Riviera welcome.”

The Cowes – Torquay – Cowes race covers a distance of 182 nautical miles. The record of two hours, eighteen minutes and five seconds was set in 2008 by Fabio Buzzi, Simon Powell and Rafael Del Pino from Italy in the boat ‘Red FPT’ at an average speed of 91.1 mph.

Cowes is recognized as the birthplace of international powerboat racing. It is therefore fitting that every year some of the biggest, brightest, loudest and most powerful boats in the world assemble to re-enact the famous race from Cowes to Torquay then turn around and race back from Torquay to Cowes where the first race was hosted in 1961.

After the overwhelming success of a new race format in 2013, which saw the fleet stopping in Torquay, the organisers have agreed to run the race in two parts once again. They were inspired by the enthusiastic response of the race fans at the Torquay stopover last year and have decided to stay with this successful format.

The new format is a bonus for powerboating fans on the mainland as it provides a chance for viewing of the boats from Torquay’s Haldon Pier between the races.

Access to the pontoons will be limited to officials and race teams but drivers will meet with spectators on the pier. There are also several vantage points on the headlands of Torquay Bay where fans can watch the boats both arrive in Torquay and race back toward Cowes.

Race schedule
10.00 hrs: First race boats arrive in Torquay
12.00/12.30 hrs: Presentation of Trophies and Race Cup
13.15: Parade lap (off Haldon Pier)
13.30 hrs: Start of Torquay to Cowes race
14.30 hrs: First race boats arrive at Cowes (Finish Gate off Egypt Point)
14.45 hrs to 17.30 hrs: Race boats can be seen at Jubilee Haven, Cowes