Whittle Marine's Nick Whittle Relaunches Legendary Powerboat Double Century
by Paul Blackley 28 Aug 09:12 PDT
Marine engineer and restoration specialist Nick Whittle of Whittle Marine has relaunched the historic Fairey Huntsman Double Century, just in time for this year's Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally, taking place August 23-25.
After suffering storm damage during 2023's devastating Storm Debi, which battered the UK with 77mph winds and caused widespread destruction in the Lake District, the classic offshore racer was rescued from near ruin and restored to seaworthy condition at Whittle Marine's specialist workshop.
Originally commissioned in 1972 by David Palengat for the legendary London to Monaco powerboat race, Double Century was purpose-built for offshore competition. Racing under number 200 and proudly named after Domecq Double Century Dry Sherry—imported by Palengat's company Luis Gordon & Sons—the vessel made a bold impression with her performance, speed, and design. Despite fierce competition, she not only secured 6th place overall but was showered with accolades, including the Best All-Rounder Trophy, Concours d'Elegance, and Best Prepared Entry.
Nick Whittle, who long harbored ambitions to acquire Double Century, seized the opportunity when the boat became available through an insurance sale following Storm Debi. "She was always the dream boat," Whittle said. "The storm damage brought her into reach, and I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring a legend back to life."
Whittle and his team undertook a meticulous restoration, replacing damaged port quarter sections, transom veneers, and cleats—respecting original craftsmanship while incorporating robust modern marine engineering. Though a full deck rebuild is planned, a new plywood deck has been fitted in the short term to meet the Cowes deadline.
Launching Double Century on Friday morning and using her for the first time has exceeded all my expectations, the weekend and the weather was a complete success and Double Century was most definitely "star of the show".
It was a great honour to run down the Solent with the Cowes Torquay power boats, seeing Double Century with all her racing livery... with many other classic and Fairey powerboats out to support her gave me wonderful satisfaction after her two-year restoration...
"Getting Double Century to Cowes was a must," Whittle added. "But the longer-term vision is even bigger—recreating the original 2,560-mile route from London to Monaco. For a boat with this history, it's almost essential."
The 2025 Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally marks Double Century's return to saltwater and her rebirth as a racing icon. Whittle's access to an extensive archive of race documents, press coverage, and original specs is fuelling plans for a potential book chronicling the boat's legacy and rebirth.
The marine community will be watching closely as Double Century once again slices through the Solent, a symbol of British engineering, racing history, and one man's passionate quest to bring her story full circle.