The UKOPRA 2026 offshore season heads to Poole on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13, for the Poole Bay 100, Round 2 of the five-round championship. Racing takes place off Bournemouth beach, with the headquarters and wet pit base at Poole Quay Boat Haven.
The race is organised by World Powerboat Events UK and sanctioned by UKOPRA. It follows the announcement of the full five-round 2026 championship calendar earlier this year.
What You Will See
Around 30-35 offshore powerboats ranging from 19ft to 50ft will complete a multi-lap course within Poole Bay and extending to the Western Solent approaches, travelling in a clockwise direction. Three classes race: Class 1, Class 1L and Class 2 cover 88.6 nautical miles on a course that stretches west to the Needles Channel off the Isle of Wight. Class 3 runs a shorter 57.9 nautical mile circuit in Poole Bay.
At top speed, Class 1 offshore powerboats exceed 100mph across open water. Poole Bay provides an exposed coastal setting, meaning conditions can change quickly and the racing is rarely predictable.
The Course
The fleet departs Poole Quay Marina at 11:30, led out of Poole Harbour in safe-speed convoy by the start boat Red Wings. Both races start from the Bournemouth Pier Outfall Buoy: Start 1 for Classes 1, 1L and 2 at 12:30, Start 2 for Class 3 at 12:40. All racing is due to be complete by 14:30.
Class 1, 1L and 2 run a Start Lap C of 30.2 nm followed by three Lap Ds of 29.2 nm each. Class 3 runs a Start Lap A of 12.3 nm followed by five Lap Bs of 11.4 nm each. A rough weather course is available if conditions require: the decision is made by the Officer of the Day ahead of the Saturday morning Drivers’ Briefing at 09:00 and posted on UKOPRA social media.
Spectators and other craft in the area are advised to stay north of an invisible line between Bournemouth Outfall buoy and the yellow buoy south of Boscombe Pier. Race Control operates on VHF Channel M1/37a.
Best Places to Watch
The entire Bournemouth seafront acts as a natural grandstand. The course runs close to the coast on every lap, giving shore-based spectators multiple close passes throughout the afternoon. Entry is free from all public beaches and promenades.
The prime viewing spots, west to east:
- Bournemouth Pier and seafront – closest to the start/finish area, with boats passing directly in front on every lap. Cafes and facilities nearby. Best single location for the whole race.
- Boscombe Pier – elevated views along the bay. Spectators must stay north of the exclusion line between Bournemouth Outfall buoy and the yellow buoy south of Boscombe Pier.
- Southbourne/Fisherman’s Walk – course marks M1 and M2 are placed here, so boats come close inshore on the turning manoeuvre.
- Hengistbury Head – panoramic elevated views across the full bay. Mark 3 is positioned here for the Class 1/1L/2 course, so the big boats round close on their extended laps.
Poole Quay is the place to be at 11:30 for the convoy departure, and again from around 16:15 for the podium presentations. Check UKOPRA social media on the morning of Saturday 13 June for any course change to the rough weather alternative.
Event Timetable
| Session | Local time (BST, UTC+1) | Your time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 12 June 2026 | ||
| Teams arrive / Race Admin / Scrutineering | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Welcome Aboard – Dockside Drinks | 14:00 onwards | 14:00 |
| Saturday 13 June 2026 | ||
| Drivers’ Briefing | 09:00 | 09:00 |
| Safety Briefing | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Race boats depart marina | 11:30 | 11:30 |
| Start 1 – Classes 1, 1L, 2 | 12:30 | 12:30 |
| Start 2 – Class 3 | 12:40 | 12:40 |
| Racing complete | ~14:30 | ~14:30 |
| Podium presentations | 16:15 – 16:45 | 16:15 |
Times shown in BST (UTC+1). Your local time is calculated automatically.
Venue and Practical Information
The wet pit and race headquarters are at Poole Quay Boat Haven, Poole, Dorset. Poole Quay has cafes, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance of the race base. The race course is visible from Bournemouth seafront, giving spectators a natural grandstand along the bay.
After Dark: Parc Ferme Party
Entry by wristband only. The Parc Ferme After Dark Party takes place on Saturday evening at Jazz Cafe, Sandbanks, BH13 7PJ. Each competing team receives four complimentary wristbands. Additional wristbands are available at £25 each. Pre-order deadline is midnight on Sunday 7 June at ukopra.org/events. You will not be admitted without a wristband.
The evening features a slow-roasted hog feast, summer sides and DJ sets at the beachfront venue overlooking Poole Bay. The organisers strongly recommend arriving by taxi and arranging your return in advance. The venue closes at midnight.
Championship Context
Poole Bay counts as Round 2 of 5 in the UKOPRA 2026 offshore championship. For the full season calendar across all series, see the Powerboat News 2026 race calendar.
UKOPRA Coverage
Full Powerboat News coverage of the UK Offshore Powerboat Racing Association championship.
UKOPRA News
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
