1964 Daily Express International Offshore Powerboat Race

[@postwar46]

I was there at Exmouth, when we got wind of the race. I looked out over the horizon, and there was what we believed to be Jackie S, scorching along at about 70 mph on her way to Torquay . She was just visible as a dot on the horizon with a line of silver spray as she slipped past. I know that Harry Weslake was a tuner on some of those power boat engines: not sure about Jackie S. All this was a great inspiration to us young blokes in the 60's.

[@rodbey9318]

Pure class after taking 2nd place and giving That speech.

[@remkojerphanion4686]

It was a time that I remember well, a totally different era. Excellent video, thank you!

[@glennoropeza3545]

OMG! Most of these boats were modified cabin cruisers! I have to admit that these boats certainly paved the way to powerboat racing today!

[@Prototheria]

Man... before helicopters AND life jackets. Hardcore!

[@ADDvanced]

There was a heli, it crashed half way through the race

[@stephenlane2826]

Amazing the boats they used to use. Like big old converted cabin cruisers. All cut down.

[@bradkolpak5922]

Spoken like a true gentleman

[@postwar46]

Some of those boats concern me, where the crews are situated right up against the transom. Any sharp movement could potentially ditch them over ass end into the oggin.

[@davidpeters6536]

My dad was pals with Keith and we used to see him in his shipyard in Whitby when I was in short trousers. I remember getting a ride in his Bentley.

[@alexarditti1726]

Legendary, “with only 30 seconds lead the calm waters of the Solent are an ideal time for a quick drink and cigarette”.

[@randyholly2594]

great race and great sportsmen!

[@whoisjohngalt2704]

These old classic boats will probably still kick most cabin cruisers asses of these days

[@josefastboats5874]

I bet they would ... These new boats ain’t fast at all.... Overbuilt POS’ that need more then 3 outboards to go anywhere

[@Prototheria]

So by that logic, a race car from 1964 should kick the ass of a modern race car. On the boat end of things, a Pershing 7X would hang with Mr. Bertram no problem. And do it with the AC on, your wife down in the galley making lunch, and hauling around three state rooms, crew quarters and four heads. Plus enough room on the main deck for half of the field to hang out while you're doing it. Look... respect the classics, but know their limitations and acknowledge the advancement of technology.

[@larryriffett918]

​​@@Prototheria best comment ever i watch all the modern day yachts and wooden Chris Crafts yachts thinking about building a zip myself. anyway you're absolutely right a 60' foot center counsels are doing 90 MPH crusing at 70MPH on the way to bimini Bahamas from Florida coast. Pershings are badass & sail thru the water 70 foot long & crusing like 50 knots like you said with a crew & deck full of people partying that don't even realize they're going that fast. 🤣😂😅😅😅😅😅cheers 🛳🍺🍺🍺

[@oz2strokeman116]

Three Maserati engines, owned and driven by the Head of FIAT. Wow, now that is impressive.

[@gaycha6589]

weren't folk both well spoken and mannered in those days?

[@macmacc7402]

Now the rap ghetto lifestyle is IN

[@turboslag]

​@@macmacc7402 Very unfortunately.

[@turboslag]

Lady Aitken doesn't want it rough!! Wonder if any of those boats still exist? My ears pricked up when I heard one them had 4 Jag E Type engines! I bet not all of them were still running at the end!

[@steve-opainter9572]

lol.. that lucky moppie seat looks less than safe ..

[@billbligh4547]

Lady Aitken saying she doesn’t want it too rough 😂 More than a few crims in this lot - Savundra and Lucan.

[@brianjacobsen5762]

Safety equipment who needs it.

[@steve-opainter9572]

i'd so love to get one of these old boats .. i wonder if the triple maserati powered boat is still in existence ?.. of any of these ?

[@martinh4630]

Many of these boats are still in existence and/or are being restored. A couple of years ago I went aboard the triple Maserati engined boat - it's fabulous!

[@karlk6860]

I look at these boats and thinking they were the best there was in 64 and hauling butt at just over 50 mph. This is a fairly long race I am guessing they are able to add fuel along the route somewhere? I run in a couple events every year and they are somewhat competitive and I look at the equipment used today, most are the same twin engines but now each engine is making between 1500 and 2000 hp each, multiple superchargers per engine and the two classes are over 100 mph and under 100 mph. Today the average price of a boat is 375K With plenty in each event over a million, its quite the spectacle to be running 75 mph and getting passed by another boat running well over 100 mph, I dont like it but the sound is fantastic!!!

[@gaycha6589]

LORD LUCAN!!!

[@DaBrute]

Run what ya brung lol

[@mikef.1000]

How gracious was the 2nd place getter

[@nightwranglers1]

Not 1 not 2 not 3 but 4 jaguar Engine’s!! Hehe. 🤣

[@bigvee401]

Real men don't need life jackets, lol

[@headcrab4090]

They had a cigarette and a drink :)

[@petec9686]

The 60s were the golden age of motor racing, be it boat or auto. It was the perfect combination of technical prowess, physical talent and an absolute lack of fear!!!! Today, racing has become more about engineering brilliance and an unlimited bank account.

[@petec9686]

@@headcrab4090 I about pissed myself laughing when I see that dude walking across the deck, mid-race, smoke and drink in hand. I’m a bit disappointed he wasn’t wearing a navy blue blazer.