The Race for the Field Outboard Trophy 1929

The Race for the Field Outboard Trophy

International Struggle in Initial Event

Successful Thames Meeting July 6 1929

The Start for The Field International Outboard Gold Challenge Trophy at Dukes Meadows

THE THREE-DAY Thames International Motor Boat Race Meeting may be regarded as one of the outstanding successes in the history of motor boating sport.Predominant among one's impressions of the meeting are the facts that thrilling speed events may be conducted on the British Empire's principal river and within its capital without causing inconvenience to those ordinarily using the Thames "upon their lawful occasions," and also that motor boat racing is a sport which has now made a definite appeal to the British public.

The Thames meeting was well organised by the Permanent International Racing Committee in conjunction with the Marine Motoring Association, and much was contributed towards its pleasing success by the ready co-operation of the Port of London Authority, the Thames police, the Chiswick Urban District Council, and other authorities.

On each day despite the fact that the weather was variable and on Saturday cold and rough, there was a large public attendance. Thousands of enthusiasts lined each bank of the river, and the reserved enclosures at the Dukes Meadows were well patronised. Many of the principal international experts in motor boating sport co-operated in the organisation and running of the meeting, which was successful both from the technical and sporting aspects.

Keen and sustained interest was taken in the first race for the Field international Outboard Trophy, which was contested on the Friday, the principal day of the meeting. The Duke of York attended on this day, on which was also run the second of the three races for the Duke of York's International Trophy for boats of the 11/2 litre class. His Royal Highness showed great interest in the racing and chatted with the officials about the technical features of the various types of competing boats. He took a run over the course in a Chris-Craft speed boat driven by Mr, Arthur Dray. The duke has had considerable experience of motor boat racing for he was present at the Duke of York's Trophy races on the Thames in 1926, and also when his Trophy was competed for at Torquay, in 1924.

Copy of the Official Program for race meeting

dukes meadows trust