Green light for classic Needles Trophy powerboat race

Powerboat race will see competitors muster off Boscombe Pier on August 13

One of Britain’s most prestigious offshore powerboat events on a level with the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes classic is the Needles Trophy organised by the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Poole.

Although held last year after a period of decline, the RMYC is determined its historic event should continue – particularly in the year its companion race, the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes, celebrates its 50th anniversary.

This year’s Needles Trophy has therefore been given international status and will be held on Sunday, August 15. A healthy entry is expected.

The race will start off Boscombe Pier at 11.30am with a truly offshore course taking competitors down to Christchurch, out to Fairway and back to a mark east of Old Harry Rocks before returning to the start line.

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The event will be open to all offshore categories with the large Marathon classes running the full offshore course while the smaller boats compete closer inshore.

The main award will be the Needles Trophy itself (pictured), won last year by Drew Langdon driving Silverline.

Pre-race scrutineering and crane launching will be hosted for the second-year running by Sunseeker at their marina complex in West Quay Road, Poole.

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