THIS August Bank Holiday weekend sees the return of competitive powerboat racing off the Isle of Wight with the historic and exciting Cowes-Torquay-Cowes and the Cowes-Poole-Cowes races.

With over 30 boats already entered, including boats from the UK and as far afield as the United States, Belgium, Bermuda and Sweden, this year promises to be the biggest for many years.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Island racer Frankie Rose will be attempting to win the Cowes-Poole-Cowes race again this year after coming so close last time out.  Photo: Malc Attrill

The 200-mile Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race — the 58th event of its kind — has long been recognised as one of powerboating's toughest challenges, with comparisons made with motorsport events such as Le Mans and the Indy 500.

Competitors will be competing in the latest heats for the prestigious Harmsworth Trophy, as well as the 2018 World Offshore Championship and UKOPRA British Offshore Marathon National Championship.

The boats will be based in the Cowes Yacht Haven, with spectators able to get close-up views from the harbour walls all day Saturday, with powerboat testing between 2pm and 3.30pm, and all races starting on Sunday morning, with pre-race activity on the water from 8.45am.

The start of the Cowes-Torquay leg is 9.30am, with the quickest returning from 3pm, and the shorter Cowes-Poole race at 9.45am, returning from 10.45am.

Suggested view points for Islanders are Cowes Yacht Haven, Cowes Parade and Green, Egypt Point, Yarmouth Pier and Fort Victoria, Yarmouth.

For more information, visit: www.cowestorquaycowes.co.uk/ and www.facebook.com/BritishPowerboatRacingClub/