THE HISTORY OF POWERBOAT RACING
IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
🏁 THE ORIGINS OF GREAT RACE
The idea for an offshore powerboat race from Trinidad to Tobago was born in 1968, when Ken Gordon envisioned the concept while escorting yachts to Grenada over the Easter weekend. Sensing its potential, he shared the idea with Ralph Gibson, who immediately supported it.
Together with early supporters such as Ken Charles, Bob Skinner, Brian Bowen, Dennis Ramdwar, and the Sa Gomes brothers, the vision quickly became reality—and The Great Race was born.
🌊 THE FIRST RACE (1969)
The inaugural Great Race took place on August 2nd, 1969, starting off the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club.
A fleet of 62 boats, ranging from 13 to 21 feet, set off on a 72-mile journey to Store Bay, Tobago.
After 2 hours and 38 minutes, a 21-foot wooden deep-vee named Camena, piloted by Lennox Tang-Yuk and Hollis Rodriguez, claimed victory. Only a handful of boats completed the grueling course—immediately establishing the race’s reputation for difficulty.
⚡ THE EARLY YEARS (1970s ERA)
From 1970 onward, racers quickly learned that preparation was key to survival and success.
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1970 – Ken Charles wins in Mr. Solo (28ft Bowen)
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1971 – Donald Hadden shocks the field in Seeing Red (18ft Hustler)
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1972 – Ken Charles claims victory again
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1973 – Harold Lee Yen & Johnny Walker win in Boomerang
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1974 – Brian Bowen wins with Bassman (31ft Bowen Pirogue)
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1975 – A new Mr. Solo (31ft Bowen) takes the title
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1976 – Checkmate wins in 1 hour 13 minutes (fastest 72-mile time to date)
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1977 – Johnny Walker & Cecil Ferdinand win with Beep Beep
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1978 – Ken Charles secures his fourth title
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1979 – Lennox Tang-Yuk wins again with Black Max
🏆Throughout the 1970s, Bowen hulls dominated the competition, securing eight victories in eleven years—cementing their legacy in the early history of The Great Race.
