Freebooter 1973
Spica 1971
Cinzano 2008
Thunderbolt Poster
Maltese Magnum II 1968
Apache 1979
Maid of Baltimore 1970

Welcome

In the early years of the Daily Express International Offshore Powerboat Race or the Cowes Torquay as it affectionately became known, the spectators of this new and exciting sport watched the unfolding drama's in their thousands along the course from Cowes to Torquay. Maybe you were lucky enough to be there at the beginning and you experienced that thrill, well now through our web site you can relive those memories, which we intend will never fade..

If you were not there then here you will find pages of information, photographs, history and personal recollections that will enhance your understanding of the sport and "the race" which celebrates its 50th running on August the 19th 2010.

Membership of the Classic Offshore Powerboat Owners Club is open to everyone who enjoys the sport, the sea and the amazing variety of characters, designs and sounds that resulted in a unique and exhilarating experience for all…..and no you do not have to own a boat! but by joining you can help save and safeguard the history of this fascinating sport.

The forthcoming year will not only be a chance to relive some of those memories but see many of the race boats that have survived everything that the race threw at them and more!

Top of the list will be the first winner Tommy Sopwith's "THUNDERBOLT" plus many of the Fairey built boats and racing again next year will be the amazing "CINZANO" which won the 2009 Cowes Classic 25 years on from the 1984 victory in the ownership of Renato della Valle who won four consecutive times, another record.

The sport has shaken off its playboy image and returned to its grass roots format of long distance offshore racing with many of Sir Max Aitken's original ideas forming the backbone of the rules and the Cowes Classic has once again become the "one to win".

Mike James
Commodore

STOP PRESS !
Unconfirmed reports just in today...
The Aronow Cigarettes DRY MARTINI and BENIHANA plus Barry Cohens GHOST RIDER are coming over for the COWES 50TH and the Round Ireland races
...as of today and before this news broke, entries had hit the 50 mark for the COWES REVIVAL RALLY in Torquay and I am sure there are more to come!

Dates have been set for the Classic Rally in August 2010,
Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th.
More news will be released as planning comes to fruition.
Already 44 pre registered entries and more expected.


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