SERIES BOOST FROM THE ISLE OF MAN



Royal Southampton Cadets, brothers Tom and James Plant came away from the Isle of Man powerboat Grand Prix by lifting their place in the championship table to seventh place, boosting their championship points total to 36.

They had been determined to prove their prowess in the round of the Honda Formula 4-stroke Powerboat Series.

They were hoping to build on their success in Douglas Bay last year with their 150 hp Cougar powerboat when they came third in their very first race. Before the Douglas weekend their powerboat QualityJob  was holding tenth position with 14 points.

In their first season last year they showed so much promise they won an award as best newcomers and also captured an award for outstanding performance.

The youngsters are the sons of avid motorcruiser enthusiasts, RSYC members, Paul and Julie Plant, who keep their Sealine flybridge cruiser, Damn The Expense at Ocean Village.

Paul said: "The lads had a cracking inaugural year and achieved a third place in their very first race at Douglas, Isle of Man back in June last year. Further races in Newcastle upon Tyne, Plymouth, Cowes and Liverpool saw them concrete their place as contenders for the title.

“Only the theft of the outboard from the boat whilst on the hard in September scuppered their chances at the last gasp.’’

Even so, at the Honda awards ceremony in London they won the award for "Rookie of the Year"  and in addition they were also very thrilled and proud to be awarded the Avenger Success and Challenger trophies by UKOBA, for outstanding performance by novice driver and navigator.

Said Paul: “Aged 18 and 16 they are the youngest team ever to join this prestigious championship. Their powerboat, QualityJob can often be seen moored in Ocean Village alongside our vessel Damn the Expense.

Tom and James spent the winter preparing the 22ft powerboat to contest this year's series and are frequently seen practicing in Southampton Water, hoping to ensure success in what has become the largest Powerboat Series in the World with over 18 boats in the 150 Class and 17 Boats in the 225 Class.

The Isle of Man hosted the third and fourth rounds of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Series in the third year running that the UK’s biggest and most competitive powerboat championship returns to the picturesque seas of Douglas Bay.

Following a spectacular first round in Torquay, even more action-packed racing is anticipated from the 36 crews contesting this year’s ultra-competitive five-round championship.

As a venue renowned for its motor sport heritage, the Isle of Man races are expected to attract huge crowds eager to watch the two Honda fleets race around the famous Refuge Tower. The race course has been designed to follow the natural contours of Douglas Bay, but it won’t all be plain sailing for the competitors as the unpredictable swells of the Irish Sea can provide ultra-challenging conditions for the crews.