THE HISTORY

The Cowes Torquay Cowes powerboat race is a challenging offshore race that takes place annually in the UK. The race has a long history, dating back to 1961, and is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious powerboat races in the world.

The course covers a distance of approximately 190 nautical miles, starting and finishing in Cowes, and takes participants around the Isle of Wight and along the south coast of England. The race typically takes place over two days, with a halfway stop in Torquay.

The Sonny Levi-designed Delta Hydrosonic Special is a famous powerboat that participated in the Cowes Torquay Cowes race in the 1960s and 1970s. The boat was known for its sleek design, innovative engineering, and impressive speed, making it a popular choice among racers at the time.

The race is known for its challenging conditions, including strong currents, rough seas, and unpredictable weather. Participants must navigate through busy shipping lanes, contend with strong tides and currents, and maintain high speeds over long distances.

Despite the challenges, the Cowes Torquay Cowes race continues to attract top powerboat racers from around the world, and is considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

Paint by Chris Dorley Brown

The Hydrosonic is a powerboat that competed in the 1967 Cowes Torquay offshore powerboat race. The crew of the Hydrosonic included Lady Arran, Mike Trimming, and Jack Knight.

Unfortunately, the Hydrosonic had to retire from the race just before the finish line, while lying in third place behind Surfury and Delta Synthesis. It is not clear what caused the retirement, but mechanical failure or navigational issues are common reasons for boats to retire from such races.

The Cowes Torquay race is an annual offshore powerboat race that takes place between Cowes on the Isle of Wight and Torquay on the south coast of England. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious powerboat races in the world, with a history dating back to 1961. The race covers a distance of approximately 190 nautical miles and is open to a variety of powerboat classes.