Powerboat Racing World has been reporting over the last few months on the behind the scenes political wrangling in British Offshore Powerboat Racing.

All of the organisers that have put Offshore races on this season have departed company with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

Two of those organisers, the International Powerboat Race Club (IPRC) and the British Powerboat Racing Club (BPRC), have joined with Moto2017 Ltd to put on a 3 race Offshore Championship in 2018 with venues at Poole, Falmouth and Cowes.

What were known as UIM Marathon boats will be given the opportunity to compete for one of the legendary trophies in powerboat racing, The British International Harmsworth Trophy, whilst ‘Class 3 type’ craft will be racing for a revered BPRC award, The Bahamas Trophy.

Competitors racing licences and boat registration books will be issued free of charge by the United Kingdom Offshore Powerboat Racers Association (UKOPRA).

Veteran racer and Director of the BPRC Richard Carr said today:

It’s great to see an Offshore Series back in Britain next year and one with iconic venues and such prestigious silverware up for grabs.
The aim of the 3 organising companies is to promote small and big boat Offshore Racing for competitors in this country as well to extend an invitation to racers from overseas.

*Round 1 – June 8th – June 9th

2018 World Offshore Championship & 2018 British Offshore Racing Series

Fortitudo Property Poole Bay 100 organised by Moto2017 Ltd, sanctioned by UKOPRA

Poole, Dorset

Round 2 – June 30th – July 1st

2018 World Offshore Championship & 2018 British Offshore Racing Series

Falmouth Marathon Regatta organised by the IPRC, sanctioned by UKOPRA

Falmouth, Cornwall

Rounds 3 & 4 – August 25th – 26th

2018 World Offshore Championship

Cowes Torquay / Torquay Cowes organised by the BPRC, sanctioned by UKOPRA

Round 3

2018 British Offshore Racing Series

Cowes Poole Cowes organised by the BPRC, sanctioned by UKOPRA

Cowes, IOW