ORGANISERS of the British Powerboat Festival, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, have decreed the event a huge success.
As the legendary Fabio Buzzi put on a masterclass to reclaim the Harmsworth Trophy, another success story at the festival happened away from the water.
Title sponsor RB12.com – promoters of the 2012 Round Britain Land, Sea and Air event – began its three-year association with the festival and introduced the RB12.com Race Village to Cowes Yacht Haven.
It was an instant hit with crowds during the day and night as visitors gathered to enjoy bars, food courts, live music, street entertainers and various merchandising stalls, as well as the racing itself.
More than 7,000 people were attracted to the event with £5,000-plus raised for the RNLI, which put on activities to promote its good work in the area, including a roadshow and simulator.
"Our aim before the festival was to bring powerboating to a bigger audience and the 2010 event has laid a strong foundation," said Hugo Ambrose, director of RB12.com.
"It was an excellent weekend of racing and the off-water attractions went down well. We’re hoping to go even bigger and better in 2011."
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk