An Epic Battle on the High Seas / Venture Cup Prologue Powerboat Race

Having promised so much in the months leading up to June, the Venture Cup Prologue powerboat race had a lot to live up to. It was billed as not only the World’s longest powerboat race, but also the toughest and most prestigious. After a difficult birth it was time to leave the talking and the hype at the dock and see how the raceteams could do battle with the seas, and one another.

Warpath & Cinzano running side by side (Pic: Peter Sweeney)

The build-up began right in the heart of London’s ultra-modern financial district, Canary Wharf. The sight of fiercesome ocean-class powerboats designed for the toughest of nature’s elements, positioned among the ultra-cosseted power-towers marked the first of what was to become a week of contrasts. If there was any doubt concerning the level of power on display it was blown away in a cacophony of horse-power on the eve of the race when the boats finally all took to the water and engaged in a brief but exquisite maritime roar which was heard as far away as Oxford Street. Adrenaline now flowing, we were hours away from the early Saturday morning start. Just two matters to take care of first – the full race briefing and the presentation of the first ever Venture Cup award. This one was for the ‘Zenith Watches Best Presented Boat’ and it went to the dreamingly beautiful new American Chief ‘Warpath’ designed by offshore legend Bob Saccenti. More; An Epic Battle on the High Seas

Source; Venture Cup Powerboat Racing