The 2026 Cowes–Torquay–Cowes delivered exactly what makes offshore powerboat racing such an extraordinary spectacle: speed, noise, rough water and boats being pushed hard against the conditions.
From behind the camera, this year’s race was particularly impressive. The sea provided a dramatic backdrop, with boats launching clear of the water, throwing huge walls of spray and fighting their way through the chop. It was a day where you could really see the punishment both boats and crews endure.
Among the most striking sights were Good Boy Vodka 1-25, looking spectacular at speed against the white cliffs, Riptide 2-69 airborne over the swell, the unmistakable Bullet Offshore Racing 47, and AROS 1-88 powering through some seriously challenging water.
Photographically, CTC is unlike almost anything else I cover. There is very little time to react. At these speeds you have seconds to find the boat, lock focus, follow it through the waves and capture that fraction of a second when everything comes together — speed, spray, light and action.
But Cowes–Torquay–Cowes is about far more than photographs. It is one of offshore powerboat racing’s great endurance challenges, combining machinery, navigation, teamwork and determination in an environment that can change from one mile to the next.
CTC 2026 was fast, physical and spectacular — offshore racing exactly as it should be.
Photography: © Blondell Photographic — The Boat Collection
Cowes–Torquay–Cowes 2026
