Ocean Pirate  Power Boat

1969 - The Round Britain Power Boat Race

         HRH On Board           Ocean Pirate at full throttle  - approx 27.5 knots

A race of such duration had never previously been attempted but it drew considerable interest from the – then – offshore racing world and the extracts from Motor Boat and Yachting provide an excellent commentary on the race and the issues it threw up. Ocean Pirate was set for the challenge!

Ocean Pirate is a 40’ offshore cruiser built by Brooke Marine at Lowestoft in 1968.   The hull is aluminium and was the first of a series of this model which were sold mainly to foreign Customs and law enforcement agencies.  The last one to be built was in 1974 and the yard ceased trading in 1987, although Brooke Yachts did continue until 1992.

Pirate was originally fitted with two Cummins V8 300 M engines numbered 547372 and 373 which were manufactured in January 1967.   In sea trials in November 1968 Pirate achieved a speed of 27.25 knots with these engines.

43 boats crossed the line and 24 finished.   Ocean Pirate came 7th overall taking 48 hours and 36 minutes to cover the 1403 miles at an average speed of 29.3 mph.   She also won the Best Prepared and Presented entry and second prize in the Concours d’Elegance.

Ocean Pirate is at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Berth 63 on the Hydropool Marina from the 19th of September. Access to Ocean Pirate is free once inside the PSP Southampton Boat Show