High-speed offshore powerboats will return to the waters off the Isle of Wight this weekend as the third round of the 2026 UK Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (UKOPRA) Championships takes place in the Western Solent.
The Ocean Village Cup will see 22 teams from across the UK and Europe, including competitors from the United States and Malta, battle it out over a 70 to 100-mile course tomorrow (Saturday 4th July).
Boats competing in Classes 1, 1L, 2 and 3 will race around a course off the Hampshire and Isle of Wight coastlines, with the start and finish line located off Hamstead Ledge buoy.
Once the green flag drops at around 13:00, teams will pass several popular viewing locations on up to 4 occasions, offering spectators multiple opportunities to watch the action.
Among the best vantage points on the Isle of Wight are Fort Victoria, Headon Warren and The Needles Battery, while Hurst Castle on the mainland also offers excellent views.
Ahead of race day, scrutineering will take place at Ocean Village in Southampton from 12:00 until 18:00 on Friday 3rd July.
On Saturday, the boats will leave Ocean Village at 11:30 before making their way to the muster area in the Western Solent. The podium presentations will be held back at Ocean Village at around 16:30 following the conclusion of racing.
Further information, including details of the competing teams, can be found on the UKOPRA website at www.ukopra.org.
