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Discover the powerboat racing community at Stewartby, from junior starters to top-tier classes.
Powerboat Circuit Racing at Stewartbty
Powerboat racing has a long and proud history at Stewartby, with the club hosting some of the biggest events on the UK circuit racing calendar. Our section brings together junior drivers, seasoned competitors, and dedicated volunteers to create a friendly, energetic atmosphere both on and off the water.
Power Commodore
Nigel Edwards
What we do
Our Powerboat Section runs circuit racing, hosts national events, develops junior drivers, and supports a strong and active racing community.
Circuit Racing
We run circuit powerboat racing across junior and senior classes, from GT15 and GT30 to T850, OSY400, F4 and F2. Stewartby is known for its fast course and competitive racing.
National Events
Each season we host major CPA events including rounds of the British National Championships and the British Sprint Championships, attracting top drivers from across the UK and Europe.
training & Juniors
We support new and young drivers through GT15 and GT30 training, taster sessions, and clear development pathways. With guidance from experienced instructors and CPA and UIM standards, juniors can progress safely from beginner to competitive racing.
Community & Support
Our racing is powered by a supportive community of drivers, parents, officials and volunteers who help run events, mentor juniors, and represent Stewartby at race meetings across the UK.
Powerboat Classes We Race
Discover the classes that make up the powerboat racing scene.
Monohull
GT15
Top Speed
Power
Notes
Junior entry class (ages 9–16)
Monohull
GT30
Top Speed
Power
Notes
For older juniors/teens (14+)
Monohull
T850
Top Speed
Power
Notes
Senior class with traditional raceboats. Power is unlimited with 850cc outboard.
Hydroplane
OSY400
Top Speed
Power
Notes
Lightweight, fast, agile; skims water surface. 400cc Yamato stock engine
Catamaran
Formula 4
Top Speed
Power
Notes
Entry-level catamaran; enclosed cockpit; fast but beginner-friendly.
Hydroplane
Racing Outboards
Top Speed
Power
Notes
Includes O-125, O-250, O-350, O-500.
Catamaran
Formula 2
Top Speed
Power
Notes
Top-tier class; very fast with high G-forces; pro-level racing
powerboating facilities
These are some of our powerboat specific facilities.
The story of how the powerboat section began, from the first meeting to the first races.
Stewartby Water Sports Club was formed at a meeting of water sportsenthusiasts in the Bunyan School, Mile Road, Bedford, on September 16 1971. The Meeting was called by Bedfordshire C.C. after London Brick Company’s offer of one of their redundant clay pits, to the Beds C.C. for water sports, at a peppercorn rent of £1.00 per year for 21 years, with an option of another 21 years on the same terms.
Interested parties were asked to split up into separate rooms to form their committees. The number of people interested in powerboat racing numbered seven! Samuel Kidd, David Pugh, Bert Noone, Danny Keay, Cliff Watts, David Fuller and Joe Bridges. A number of meetings took place in an office of Joe Bridges, in Midland Road, Bedford, with members donating £1.00 each, to get the club funds started. Committee members were:- Commodore, Sam Kidd; Vice Commodore, Cliff Watts; Rear Commodore, David Pugh; Hon. Sec., David Fuller; Hon. Treasurer,Noreen Bridges; Committee, Joe Bridges, Danny Keay, Peter Pratt, Norman Jeffs,Brian Timson, Ken Honey and Tony Hall.
Memebership of the section consisted of Driver membership, Non-racing boatowner membership and social membership. All to include family members up to age 18.
Work started on the site straight away and the first race took place on Sunday, April 23 1972. A total of 15 sportsboats and 11 hydroplanes entered for theraces.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you’re into high-speed circuit racing, supporting events, or just want to be part of an active powerboat community, joining the powerboat section is the best way to get involved with one of the UK’s most exciting watersports.
