Cowes Classic to be combined with Powerboat P1 World Championship

KBL Powerboat Management Ltd, promoter of the Powerboat P1 World Championship, is to take over the running of the Cowes Classic, one of the world’s premier festivals of offshore powerboat racing. In its deal with the British Powerboat Racing Club, KBL will be responsible for the long term development of the festival which will be combined with the Powerboat P1 World Championship.

The Cowes Classic, established in 1961, brings together powerboats and their crews from across the globe for five days of spectacular and highly competitive racing. The 2005 festival will commence on Friday 26th August 2005 and include a series of national and championship rounds along with the British Grand Prix, comprising two rounds of the Powerboat P1 World Championship. With more than 70 boats expected, the festival’s new promoter intends to work closely with the Isle of Wight Council, local business and the UK tourism industry to create an international spectacle with worldwide appeal.

Powerboat P1 is the success story of performance boat racing with its international flavour, competitor numbers and marine industry backing increasing year-on-year. In 2005 the Championship comprises seven events in six European countries and at least 20 high-performance craft are expected to compete in the UK leg of the World Championship.