Challenge is made for the British International Harmsworth Trophy

SpiritBARTech F35 - British International Harmsworth Trophy © The British International Harmsworth Trophy Ltd

The world's most famous motorboat racing trophy is back, still rewarded for outstanding design and innovation, but now a challenge for electric powered boats, and not a race, but a time trial between Poole and Cowes.

The inaugural challenge took place in sparkling weather conditions by the all British designed challenger, the SpiritBARTech F35, a collaboration between BAR Technologies and Spirit Yachts. The boat crossed the finish line in Poole having completed the course in 1 hour 36 minutes 53 seconds, an average speed of 30.35 knots. The time is recorded in two stages to allow recharging if required in Cowes, the boat recorded Poole to Cowes in 47.59 minutes and the return in 48.54.

This superb classically designed, fully foiling motor launch, combines traditional wooden boat building techniques with modern carbon epoxy lamination for light weight and is the envelope for the very latest technology developed by BAR Technologies for the America's Cup.

Skipper Simon Schofield commented "This was a great run in perfect conditions, and we feel we have set a time which will be difficult to beat this year. The F35 is a spectacular boat using state of the art technology developed by the brilliant BAR Tech team in Portsmouth and has moved foiling electric boats to a new level and we look forward to seeing many more similar vessels on the water in the future."

The British International Harmsworth Trophy dates back to 1903 and is the oldest motorboat racing trophy in existence. Often referred to as the America's Cup of motorboats, it has played a pivotal role in the development of offshore racing. Over the years the magnificent bronze trophy has been presented to motorboat racing legends including Sir Thomas Sopwith, Garfield Wood, Stefano Casiraghi and the late Fabio Buzzi.

Originally a challenge between countries aimed at developing and improving the design of motorboat hulls and engines, the Trustees decided to follow these foundations of the Trophy but to move away from fossil fuels and re dedicate the Trophy for electric power. In 2025 they announced the new challenge for electric powered vessels that will continue the tradition of encouraging design and technical innovation.

David Macey, Chairman of the Harmsworth Trophy Trustees said, "This was a wonderful start to the new future of the British International Harmsworth Trophy, and our congratulations go to Simon and the team of the inaugural challenge. Our special thanks go to The Royal Yacht Squadron for their help at the Cowes finish and Salterns Marina for hosting the SpiritBARTech F35 and providing launch and charging facilities. Thanks also to Wessex Marine for providing our committee boat and the event could not have taken place without the help of both Poole and Cowes Harbour Masters for which we are extremely grateful. We now look forward to our next challenge for this magnificent Trophy."

The Trophy will be awarded in November to the fastest electrically powered boat to complete the course in the 2026 season.