Pics: Cork power boat sets new world record over weekend

A new over 50ft class Cork to the Fastnet Rock and back UIM World powerboat record was set yesterday by Safehaven Marine in their 23m long XSV20 ‘Thunder Child II.’ The new record is two hours and 36 minutes averaging 44.6 knots and recording a maximum speed of 53 knots on the run. (subject to ratification by the UIM).

The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is the world governing body for all Powerboating activities.

The crew of Skipper Frank Kowalski, Ciaran Monks, Carl Randalls, Mary Power & Robert Guzik took the boat on a recce trip on Saturday with near perfect conditions and decided to attempt the record on Sunday.

The starting line was Weavers Point at the entrance to Cork Harbour setting off at 2pm on Sunday in light winds and only a long Atlantic ground swell to contend with.

It took the crew one hour and 21 minutes to reach Fastnet Rock, where a huge flotilla of 40-50 boats waiting close by the rock to watch as they passed.

The crew said it was a little stressful navigating through the boats as they rounded the rock but said it was fabulous to see them all set chase after Thunder Child II as she headed home.

The crew said, passing the Stags Rock and Kinsale Lighthouse heading East with boats coming out to watch them, Thunder Child II literally thundered home, crossed the finish line to another great welcome.

Thunder Child II ran faultlessly with her engines kept at just 85-90% of full power throughout, only giving her the beans for the final 10miles towards the finish line running at over 50knots.