Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat Event Cancelled

Organisers of the longstanding Cowes-Torquay-Cowes International Offshore Powerboat Race and more recently Cowes-Poole-Cowes powerboat race, have announced they are cancelled for 2020.

In May, the British Powerboat Racing Club (BPRC) announced the postponement of the 60th anniversary celebrations until 2021 - but had still hoped to run a basic race over the traditional August Bank Holiday Weekend.

However, despite progress that's being made towards the UK’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers have said that running an event of this nature, that will bring many visitors to Cowes, will not be possible while protecting those involved and the people of Cowes.

Organisers said:

"The safety of the public, competitors, the support crews, the team of volunteers who help organise the event, the volunteers who provide safety cover and the volunteers who officiate the weekend, is paramount and with social distancing still very much in force, the organisers feel they could not continue with their plans in any realistic form.

"The directors are aware that this will be a huge disappointment to many, as indeed it is to the Club.

"The decision to cancel racing in 2020 has been strongly influenced by the recent cancellation of the two largest and most prestigious sailing events in Cowes, the ‘Cowes Classic’ and the ‘Cowes Week’ regattas, scheduled for late July and early August respectively. That is coupled with the overwhelming feeling of many Isle of Wight residents who are understandably uncomfortable with large numbers of visitors travelling to the Island at this time and the foreseeable future.

"The team at the BPRC will now focus on exciting plans for the 60th anniversary celebrations in 2021, which will take place between August 27-29 and very much look forward to welcoming back competitors, sponsors and supporters for this historic and much loved race."