Photo: Contributed

The Vector Martini Team after winning the 2014 Cowes Classic Offshore Powerboat Race

Kelowna powerboat company, Vector Martini Racing, won big at the Cowes Classic Offshore Powerboat Race Tuesday in the UK.

Their sleek V40R powerboat, built in Kelowna, finished first in both races and first overall at the prestigious annual event.

The race, also known as Cowes-Torquay-Cowes, is regarded as the oldest toughest powerboat race in the world.

In total, the local team picked up seven trophies over the weekend including The Beaverbrook Trophy (overall winner), The Mellery-Pratt Challenge Trophy, The Cougar Trophy and The Waynefleet Challenge Trophy.

This is the first time that Vector Martini team has raced in the UK.

Martini says they boast a rich heritage in power boating but the Vector Martini team is the first to carry the distinguished blue and red racing stripes in over two decades following the official launch of the partnership earlier this year in Monaco.

“The team is thrilled to have won both races and the overall title in the prestigious Cowes Classic Offshore Powerboat Race, and to have put Martini back at the top of professional powerboat racing for the first time in over 20 years. The boat handled extremely well and the weeks of careful preparation have delivered a fantastic result,” says an excited Peter Dredge, chief pilot of the Vector Martini.

The race itself started from Egypt Point on the Isle of Wight and the powerboats crossed over 90 nautical miles to Torquay, before returning to finish right outside the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes.

Supporters came out in large numbers to watch the spectacle from hundreds of boats as well as from various locations along the South Coast of England.

“This was a very competitive and experienced field to take on in our first competition but the boat performed flawlessly and the strategy paid off. We knew a win in our class was achievable but to take the overall title was a great result, particularly against some more powerful boats. I am genuinely delighted for both the team and for our partnership with Martini,” adds Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Vector Martini Racing.

Vector Martini Racing will continue its programme later this month with an attempt to break the UIM Cross Channel World Record from Poole to Cherbourg.