The underdogs bite back for European glory

The first round of the V24 One Design Powerboat European Championship in Ramsgate yesterday (Saturday) gave spectators thrilling action all the way as rough seas ensured the boats spent as much time airborne as in the water. The gruelling hour long race over 50 nautical miles saw position changes throughout the 11 boat fleet on every one of the 12 laps. The conditions ensured that both drivers and navigators were tested to the limit with turning marks being very difficult to spot in a swell reaching 2m at times. Both boats and crew returned battered and a little bruised but in good spirits for the continuation of the RYA National Championship races tomorrow. ‘It was a tough race but we are a happy team!’ commented eventual winner Cliff Smith (from Littlehampton). ‘We must have started as the underdogs after our last race which was a bit of a disaster so we are especially thrilled with this win and looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow.’ Having finished last in their first race of the season two weeks ago, the turnaround of fortune for Smith and navigator Mark Bridges in their boat Bat out of Hell (V2) now has them well placed for the next round in Norway on 18/19 July.

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Images by Keith Slater Photography

Builder of many of the V24s racing, Mark Pascoe (V11), was another to enjoy a much improved result with his first podium position of the season. Martyn Weeks and Jason Nichols (V1), another of the back markers from the previous race took third position throwing the European Championship wide open. ‘It’s a great result for the teams on the podium,’ commented V24 promoter Charles Gardiner. ‘With some of the favourites not figuring today, we can look forward to some really competitive racing in the next 2 rounds as there is everything to play for.’

European series favourite Pete Little and navigator Gavin Brown (V69 Brita Water) had an unlucky start to their championship bid when the dashboard of their boat became loose following some huge jumps just after the start of the race putting paid to their chance to gain some early points.

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Images by Keith Slater Photography

The V24 Championship is a one design series for V24 powerboats. These 24’ winged raceboats are powered by Volvo Penta 5.7l V8 engines and they race at an average speed of 70-75mph. No alterations are allowed to be made to the engines to ensure a level playing ground based on the skill of the team and not the size of it’s budget. The series was started just over a year ago and has already grown to a fleet of 15 boats. This is the first European Championship and teams are racing from the UK, Wales, Gibraltar and Sweden.

Offshore Powerboating action continues in Ramsgate tomorrow (Sunday) with the second round of the RYA National V24 Championship.

V24 European Championship 1st round results:

Retired: V69, V8, V7, V24

DQ’d: V3, V4

More Ramsgate action from Keith Slater Photography

Saturday Slideshow

Sunday Slideshow

Is it a plane, is it a submarine, no it’s a V24!

These photos were taken by Harry (aged 9) at Ramsgate. If you have any pictures you would like added to our site, please email them to pr@v24powerboats.co.uk

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For more information, please contact:

Bambi Gardiner, V24 Powerboats Ltd
Mobile 07768 698070

Note to press: All press releases on this site are available for free use by the press. Use of photographs must be obtained either direct from the photographer, or through V24 Powerboats (email pr@v24powerboats.co.uk) and can then only be used with credits given to the relevant photographer. Thank you.