Date Added: 2007-10-19

Eight-time World Powerboat Champion Steve Curtis MBE will be bringing the
Formula 4-Stroke Association (the largest off-shore powerboat championship in
the world) to the Whyte and Mackay Earls Court Boat Show in December.
Formula Four Stroke Association (F4SA) the governing body of the series has
seen greater awareness and popularity for the sport, which has created high
demands for the series in the UK and across the world.

The F4SA team will be on site to discuss the features and specifications of the
cutting edge Cougar Marine powerboats that are the one-design boats that race
in the series. Steve’s individual and family powerboating history means that the
stand will also display some of powerboat racing’s finest boats from both past and
present and will focus on the F4SA race series delivering information about the
teams, events and of course the fleets of 150 and 225 powerboats. The recently
crowned 2007 Championship winning boats Negotiator 225 and Lings 150 will
also join the stand, including Raymarine 225 and Hustler from the Powerboat P1
World series. Others are yet to be confirmed.
Another feature attracting interest to the Powerboat Village is the Christina 25
Thunderbolt following its restoration. Months of hard work will reveal the final
results to the public when it is unveiled on 30th November prior to the launch of
the show. It is hoped that the unveiling will be carried out by Cowes-Torquay
multiple winner, Tommy Sopwith, Thunderbolt’s first owner and Don Shead who
saved her from decaying in a French boatyard 20 years ago. Thunderbolt, one of
the few surviving winners of this legendary race will be in pride of place in the
Powerboat Village along with another of Tommy’s winning boats, Telstar.
Cougar Marine, the official suppliers of the 150hp and 225hp powerboats to the
Honda F4SA series are as busy as ever as demand for new boats grows in line
with the ever-expanding series. Alongside their raceboat display the Cougar team
will also be showing a selection of their own high-performance Ribs in conjunction
with the Powerboat Village.
Commenting on the growth of the F4SA series, Cougar Marine Director Steve
Curtis said: “Each class was previously limited to 20 boats, however due to
increased interest the 225 fleet has now been opened up to accommodate 30
boats.”
Partnered by Honda, F4SA the world’s largest offshore powerboat championship is
truly stepping up to its name. From its early beginnings there has always been a
strong following for the series and now with its 9th season concluded, 2008
promises bigger crowds, bigger venues and what looks set to be a bigger fleet.
Featured on ITV4 and other TV stations worldwide adrenaline junkies alike can
witness the high-speed action packed programmes aired across the racing
season.
“In recent years Honda Formula 4-Stroke Association has become more than the
largest off-shore powerboat series in the UK,” said Steve. “The dream that
started in 1999 to build the foundations of a successful championship has not
only become a reality but has clearly established its roots within powerboat racing
history. The F4SA journey has taken us many miles around the UK and with it we
have brought an abundance of enthusiasts who have supported us at our race
events.”
2008’s calendar will be taking the fleet around the coastline of the UK again for
more high-speed pursuits for podium honours. Honda’s continued support has
been the backbone to F4SA’s success story. As the series continues to maintain
it’s ground breaking progress the F4SA team look forward to 2008 as they
prepare to give the UK the biggest offshore season it has ever seen.
“This series has shown conclusively what the Power of Dreams really means. The
dedication and enthusiasm shown by every one involved with the series has taken
it from 4 boats in 1999 to some 40 boats and international event status” says
Martin Sanders, General Manager, Honda Europe Power Equipment. “However the
series has maintained a tremendously competitive environment without losing the
family feeling, but we all know people in families want to win. This season has
been no different with two new names on the winner’s trophies and many new
participants. We have been delighted along with many others to be part of
making powerboat racing history and look forward to the series growing both in
the UK and internationally.”