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After a 15-year stand-by, the world’s oldest powerboat trophy is being transformed into a dedicated race for electric boats only: we are talking about the British International Harmsworth Trophy.
Established in 1903 by Sir Alfred Harmsworth, owner of the Daily Mail, the trophy was intended as a reminder of the development of ever faster racing hulls. The trophy was born and remained in England until the 1930s, when it then changed sides across the ocean and migrated to the US. In Detroit, it reached the peak of the race’s popularity and fame: more than a million spectators, in fact, thronged the banks of the Detroit to watch the racecars hurtle down the river in 1930. Often referred to as the “America’s Cup” of powerboating, the Harmsworth Trophy has been won by such famous champions as Thomas Sopwith, Garfield Wood, Stefano Casiraghi and Fabio Buzzi.
A lot of water has passed since that 1903, and the world’s oldest trophy is also getting a makeover. From 2025, in fact, the race will be the preserve of electrically powered boats only. The course must be completed using the same set of batteries and without any other form of propulsion, fuel or outside intervention. The Challenge Course will have a minimum time limit and must be completed in a single day. If necessary, the challenger will be allowed to recharge at the Cowes Rapid Charging Facility for up to 4 hours.
In the next issue of Barche a Motore paper there will be an entire feature, entirely dedicated to Fabio Buzzi, recordman, engineer and true revolutionary genius of powerboating. Don’t miss it, subscribe now!
The boat may be designed for recreational, commercial or military use, but it must have at least two crew seats, a rudder and must provide at least two people on board throughout the challenge. USVs (Unmanned Vessels) are not allowed to compete. The names of the winning pilot and co-pilot will be entered on the Trophy and will be presented at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Poole at the end of the 2025 Challenge Series.
Federico Lanfranchi
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