Welcome

Welcome to the website for The Bandit, competitor in the 2008 Round Britain Powerboat race.

The boat

The Bandit is a 34' Hunton RIB, powered by twin Mercruiser 425hp inboard engines and XR stern drives.

The Bandit will be competing in tough RB2 RB class. The Bandit will be capable of speeds in excess of 80mph.

The Race

Starting June 21st 2008, the 2008 Round Britain race is a 10 stage race covering 1600 nautical miles and is "destined to be the greatest experience since boating began."(Sports Boat and Rib magazine)

The race was last run in 1984 and this will be the third occasion of its running. It is predicted that there will be over 70 boats taking part, making it a truly spectacular event.

Watch the video.

News

1st July: The Bandit wins the RB2 class!! The Bandit not only finishes the Round Britain but wins the RB2 class. In addition, team Bandit is awarded the Tim Powell PowerBoat Challenge Trophy for overcoming challenges and typifying the spirit of the event.

19th June: Follow the Bandit live!! Click here to go to a live site with GPS tracking of exactly where The Bandit is.just before Christmas.

1st May: Welcome to Winkworth Machinery who are new members of Team Bandit. Winkworth is sponsoring The Bandit in memory of Luke Winkworth. Luke was 26 and planned to participate in the Round Britain Race with his brother James. Luke lost his battle against cancer just before Christmas.

13th Apr: The Bandit enters the Cowes-Brighton-Cowes Blade Run. Come and see The Bandit in one of its first runs out in the Blade Run on 30th and 31st May (note: new dates!).

30th Mar: Welcome to Mobile Marine Technology, new members of Team Bandit. who will be sponsoring The Bandit by providing a state-of-the-art bridge system with integrated charting, engine management and navigation systems.

18th Feb: THE ENGINES ARE FINALLY IN!!! The engines have now been fitted to The Bandit in a unique staggered configuration to offset the torque effects of 850 bhp!

6th Feb: Announcing The Bandit will be raising money for the Peace Hospice. More details to follow. Donate online.

30th Jan: Fabio Buzzi, winner of the 1984 race will be entering, using his original boat.

22nd Jan: James May (Top Gear) and Nick Knowles (DIY SOS) announce their entry. They will be crewing a sister Hunton in the same RB2 Class as The Bandit.