14/06/2026
🏁🚤 R2 UKOPRA – Poole Bay 100 🚤🏁
We made it to the finish with both boats!
After a tricky first round where neither boat crossed the finish line, this weekend was a completely different story. Both boats finished, with our Misscat RIB (E-11) taking 3rd place in E Class and securing a podium finish, while Banana Shark (2-66) brought home 4th place in Class 2.
Misscat RIB (E-11)
Misscat’s issues after Round 1 were relatively straightforward, with only a broken oil pump switch to replace. The team had her back up and running in no time.
Unfortunately, a similar problem struck again during the race, but the crew managed to get her going while still on the water and pushed on to claim an excellent 3rd place finish.
A huge well done to Ben Brown and Perry Murphy. We’re incredibly proud of you both!
Banana Shark (2-66)
Banana Shark really tested us to our limits, but once again the team pulled together with plenty of hard work, late nights and determination.
After Round 1, we lost an engine completely. We took the boat home unsure of what had happened. Had the boat struggled with the outboards, or had we hit something? After inspecting the remaining engine, we found signs that led us to believe we’d struck an object in the water.
So what next?
We did our homework, searched everywhere and spoke to countless people trying to source replacement engines. Then Honda approached us with a deal we simply couldn’t refuse.
With two new engines on order and a complete re-rig required, the clock was ticking.
Nine days before race day, the first engine arrived. The team stripped and re-rigged the boat, fitting the first engine immediately. The second engine was due to arrive just two days before the race but thankfully turned up three days early, giving us enough time to get the boat on the slip and run both engines for half an hour before heading to Poole.
On race day, the boys went out with one goal – run the engines in, get used to them and finish the race.
Mission accomplished.
There had been plenty of talk about how the Hondas would perform, but they were fantastic. We didn’t need to push them too hard; bringing home 4th in class was exactly what we wanted. There are still a few adjustments to make, but they have definitely shown they have the power to perform.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
What a turnout! Having so many of our sponsors with us on the pontoon was incredible. The support was unreal, and we truly couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you to:
Tonto Marine
Oceanic Marine Detailing
SUPERHUB
Itssar
Below Decks Restaurant & Bar
Vanclaes UK
Honda Marine
marine services
Your support means everything to us.
The Team Behind The Team
Finally, a massive thank you to the people who put in countless late nights and hours of hard work to get the boats ready:
Malc Dopson Martyn Pomeroy Chris Ashington Tim Spink Louis Spink and Stephenson Marine
Without your dedication, none of this would have been possible.
Onwards to the next round! 💪🏁🚤
