With 48 boats in eight different classes from 7.5 to 13 metres (24-45 feet), eight legs covering some 1,424 nautical miles around Britain, and around 200 people taking part, there will be plenty of opportunities to be nominated as the recipient of the new Raymarine ‘Sprit of the Event’ Trophy to be awarded for the first time in the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Race.

Whether an individual or an entire team, in the slowest classic boat or the ultimate race machine, whether overcoming adversity or entertaining the crowds and crew; nominations for the trophy will be accepted from the competitors and race committee during the ten day race which starts from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth on June 21st.

Mike Lloyd, Event Director of the race said: “We are delighted to have a stunning new trophy to add to our event, thanks to our sponsor Raymarine. The “Spirit of the Event” really sums up what this race is all about. It’s a great adventure and a massive challenge to everyone who takes part whether on the water, as part of the race crew, as a family member or friend. We’ll be encouraging everyone to give us their nominations for the person, team or boat that most sums up the spirit of this truly amazing race.”

The 2008 Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Event was first held in 1969. This year is only the third time that the race has been held, and the quarter of a century that has passed since the last event has resulted in a healthy list of entries, with hundreds of dedicated racers and boaters taking part. “The challenges ahead for these brave teams are enormous,” says Mike. “It’s an incredibly tough event on both the body and the boats. We expect at least a quarter of the boats will suffer some kind of breakdown on the legs from Portsmouth to Oban. We have a lay day at Inverness to regroup and I am sure by then we’ll already have a host of nominees for the Raymarine Spirit of the Event Trophy, even with another four legs to go.”

Fiona Pankhurst, International Marketing Communications Manager at Raymarine said: “We are delighted to present the Raymarine Spirit of the Event Trophy. We feel this is a prize that really sums up the ethos of the race. You might not have won, you might not even have finished, but you will have deserved recognition for taking part; it’s a great looking trophy too which we hope captures some of the essence of this unique race.”

For more information about the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Event please visit www.roundbritainrace.co.uk