Top 10 Offshore Powerboat Racers of All Time According to VÉHICULE
Offshore powerboat racing, a high-stakes sport defined by precision and speed, owes its legacy to iconic racers like Steve Curtis, Fabio Buzzi, and Betty Cook, whose daring victories and innovations continue to inspire.
August 14, 2025
Offshore powerboat racing is a high-octane sport. It demands precision, courage, and raw speed. Racers battle treacherous seas and cutting-edge machines. VÉHICULE ranks the top 10 offshore powerboat racers who defined this thrilling world. Their victories span world championships, iconic races, and record-breaking feats.
1. Steve Curtis: The British Legend
Steve Curtis dominated the sport. He won eight Class 1 world championships from 1985 to 2004. His victories include the 2016 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race in brutal 10-foot waves. Curtis survived a near-fatal crash in the 1990s and raced again weeks later. He founded Cougar Marine, building boats that power champions. His relentless drive sets him apart.
Steve Curtis, Image by VÉHICULE
2. Fabio Buzzi: The Italian Mastermind
Fabio Buzzi was a racing genius. He claimed 52 world championships across multiple classes. He also won seven Harmsworth Trophies and set 56 speed records, hitting 171 mph. In 1984, he triumphed in the 1,400-mile Round Britain race. His Red FPT boat redefined performance. Buzzi raced until his passing in 2019, leaving a towering legacy.
Fabio Buzzi, Image by VÉHICULE
3. Don Aronow: The American Trailblazer
Don Aronow reshaped powerboat racing. He designed Cigarette boats that fueled over 300 race wins. He clinched the 1967 and 1969 world championships. Aronow won the 1969 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes in 3 hours 33 minutes, despite a 1967 crash with serious injuries. His bold designs revolutionized the sport.
Don Aronow, Image by VÉHICULE
4. Betty Cook: The Pioneering Force
Betty Cook broke new ground. She won world championships in 1978 and 1979. In 1978, she became the first woman to win Cowes-Torquay-Cowes, piloting her 36ft Cigarette, Kaama. Cook finished a race with engine issues, relying on skill alone. Her success inspired countless female racers.
Betty Cook, Image by VÉHICULE
5. Gar Wood: The Early Giant
Gar Wood defined early racing. He won five Harmsworth Trophies from 1920 to 1933. His Miss America boats hit 124.86 mph in 1932, a stunning record. Wood aided a stranded rival during a 1920s race, showing sportsmanship. His speed feats drew massive crowds, shaping the sport’s future.
Gar Wood, Image by VÉHICULE
6. Tom Gentry: The Record Breaker
Tom Gentry chased speed relentlessly. In 1987, he set a transatlantic record, covering 3,436 miles in 62 hours with Gentry Eagle. He won the 1974 Miami-Nassau race despite a cracked hull. Gentry survived a 1976 Key West crash. His career ended in a 1994 accident, but his records endure.
Tom Gentry, Image by VÉHICULE
7. Renato Della Valle: The Precision Expert
Renato Della Valle was a racing maestro. He won four consecutive Cowes-Torquay-Cowes races from 1982 to 1985. In 1985, he also claimed the European championship. Della Valle navigated a 1983 storm that sank rivals’ boats. He mentored young racers, sharing his expertise.
8. Lady Violet Aitken: The British Standout
Lady Violet Aitken shone in the 1960s. She won multiple Ladies’ Trophies in Cowes-Torquay-Cowes. In 1963, she placed fifth overall despite a broken throttle. Her daughter and granddaughter later raced, extending her legacy. Aitken’s skill earned her widespread respect.
Lady Violet Aitken, Image by VÉHICULE
9. Jim Wynne: The Innovative Champion
Jim Wynne excelled as racer and inventor. He won the 1964 world championship. His 1950s stern drive invention transformed boat performance. Wynne repaired his boat mid-race to secure a finish. His designs powered numerous victories, leaving a lasting mark.
Jim Wynne, Image by VÉHICULE
10. Tommy Sopwith: The Rough-Water Star
Tommy Sopwith thrived in chaos. He won the 1961, 1968, and 1970 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes races. In 1965, he claimed the Cornish 100. Sopwith piloted Telstar through 15-foot waves in 1968, finishing while others sank. His innovative boats advanced racing technology.
Tommy Sopwith, Image by VÉHICULE
Offshore powerboat racing lives on bold achievements. These 10 racers, chosen by VÉHICULE, shaped its history. Their world titles, record-breaking runs, and daring feats captivate. From Wood’s early records to Curtis’s modern dominance, their stories thrill.
