S B Racing (C56) drops into a trough while in a close race with (C17) ‘N’ Class Fabrication during the UIM Class 3C World Offshore Championship in Guernsey. (Picture by Andrew Le Poidevin, 0634931)

DESPITE the horrendous weather conditions, last month’s World Offshore Championship have been hailed a great success by the powerboating establishment.

Early September’s torrential rain and gales played havoc with the return of world powerboating to Guernsey waters for the first time in more than 10 years.

Three days were washed out, with two races having to take place on the final day off Castle Cornet. However, officials from the Royal Yachting Association and The Union International Motonautique, which are the governing bodies, have lavished praise on the organisers.

‘We’re chuffed to bits because the weather was against us but we managed to put it on,’ said Guernsey Powerboat Association committee member Rob Dodsworth.

‘To be honest, we had only one day left and only with all the help of the people there were we able to do two races. You couldn’t ask for more really.’