Thunderstreak, a remarkable 61-year old race-boat, outperformed its younger rivals in the Solent 80 race.

The event marked another victorious stint for the oldest active offshore race-boat navigating around the Isle of Wight.

The competition, starting at Langstone Harbour, involved a demanding 32-mile trail that encompassed Chichester Harbour mouth and St Catherine's Point.

Despite being the oldest boat in the race, Thunderstreak impressively kept stride with Class 1 and 2 race-boats, excelling in an environment suited to its 60-year old hull form and substantial weight of over six tonnes.

Team Skipper John Simmonds said that Thunderstreak had excelled in these conditions - and so had the team with precise, tide-sensitive navigation and meticulous throttle/trim. He said: "Team:Royal Yacht Squadron, now in its third year, has become rather well-versed in offshore powerboat race-craft.

"From breaking the boat, sometimes quite seriously, after rough races over past seasons, the boat and its crew have evolved into a potent competitor and a winning combination."

The race began from Haslar Marina in Gosport, where the fleet of over 30 boats and a flotilla of Race Marshalls assembled.

Following safety briefings, they sniffed the breeze at the official muster area off Langston Harbour.

At 11.30am sharp, the green flag was waved, allowing competitors to race away in a choppy but visible Solent.

In the company of the leading race-boats, Thunderstreak performed admirably, despite being overhauled by higher-powered Class 1 and 2 boats.

Team:Royal Yacht Squadron continued gaining momentum, steadily maintaining a speed of 60-65mph, and gracefully pulling away from the Class 3E competitors.

As the race grew intense and waves choppy, the race-leader, Renegade, committed a costly error by crossing the finish line incorrectly, attracting a statutory 20-minute penalty.

This turn of events paved the way for Thunderstreak, allowing the vessel to secure the first place on adjusted time.

It now boasts a considerable lead of 1,200 points in the UKOPRA National Class 3E championship, with only a single points-scoring race left in September.