Electric Boat Trophy Set to Eclipse the America's Cup Fame.
The historic Harmsworth Trophy, first awarded in 1903 and reputedly the oldest and most distinguished powerboat racing trophy, is set for a modern revival as an exciting new challenge for electric boats under the governance of the prestigious Royal Motor Yacht Club (RMYC) in Poole.
Originally a competition between nations, similar to the America’s Cup for sailing, the Harmsworth Trophy later transformed into an individual event. Legends like Sir Thomas Sopwith, Garfield Wood, Stefano Casiraghi, and Fabio Buzzi have graced its list of winners. Nevertheless, offshore powerboat racing has waned over the past few years, and the trophy hasn't been awarded since 2011.
Now, the trophy trustees wish to breathe new life into the prize by positioning it as the ultimate incentive for electric boat builders, owners, and pilots. Open to anyone who can complete a 75-mile offshore voyage from Poole to Cowes and back, the competition will test the fastest electric boats, regardless of category (commercial, military, or recreational), as long as they feature a minimum of two seats and two people during the challenge.
Participants will need to rely solely on the same set of batteries and cannot employ any other methods of propulsion, fuel, or external assistance. The challenge will adhere to a minimum time limit, be coverable within a single day, and contestants may recharge for up to four hours at a quick-charging facility in Cowes.
The RMYC will manage and monitor the challenge, appointing timekeepers, course observers, and start and finish officers. Contestants must provide their safety and support vessels. The trophy will be awarded annually, starting from 2025, to the fastest boat that completes the course. The recipient's name will be engraved on the trophy, with presentations conducted at the RMYC yearly.
Interested challengers can submit their applications via email to [email protected].
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In the revival of the Harmsworth Trophy, electric sports-yachts with luxurious flybridge designs are expected to compete, as the competition aims to test the fastest electric boats, regardless of category. Participants will challenge each other in a 75-mile offshore race from Poole to Cowes and back, with the recipient's name engraved on the trophy annually, starting from 2025.
