Power Boating

The Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat Race.

Since RKJ has never done a power boat race, he took half a second to accept the invitation to navigate for Britain's Lady Power boat champion, Shelley Jory, in this 171 mile classic.      The race takes place on the 29th August 2009. The pair, who present Britain's sole maritime radio programme H2O every friday on Radio Solent, are racing a Scorpion RIB with some 630 hp.     

Early trials in a Force 6-7 at the Needles, the rocks at the western end of the Solent, have shown the difficulty in keeping held on as the boat crashes down on the waves. Of the 20 starters, Team Scorpion finished 1st in Class and 4th overall after a little more than 4 hours hard motoring in fresh conditions. Faster and more powerful craft fell behind in the rough stuff.

An interesting experience, but the bruises and stiffness sustained , will, if remembered, provide sufficient discincentive to repeat the performance in 2010, even if it is the 50th anniversary. RKJ will attend - as a spectator!