MDL Marinas is hosting three major rounds of the 2026 UK Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (UKOPRA) Championship across its South Coast marina network, with the opening round successfully held at Shamrock Quay in Southampton.
The high-profile championship continues at MDL venues throughout the season, with upcoming events taking place at Ocean Village Marina and Mercury Yacht Harbour, showcasing MDL as a leading supporter of major marine events and offshore motorsport in the UK.
UKOPRA
Now firmly established as one of the highlights of the UK marine events calendar, the UKOPRA Championship brings together some of the fastest offshore racing boats in the country, with competitors racing in a variety of classes around demanding coastal courses. The championship has been running for more than 40 years and attracts teams, crews and spectators from across the UK and Europe.
Round the Island race – Shamrock Quay
The opening MDL Marinas Round the Island race recently took place at Shamrock Quay. The marina welcomed a record number of entries, with 31 teams signing up from a registered fleet of 50 race boats. Large crowds gathered across the marina and waterfront to watch the fleet depart, while a flotilla of leisure powerboats escorted competitors down Southampton Water towards the start line.
Despite challenging weather conditions, 28 boats started the race, with 17 teams successfully completing the course in what proved to be a demanding opening round of the championship season.
Among the standout performances were Good Boy Vodka, which secured victory in Class 1 with a time of 49 minutes and 5 seconds at an average speed of 72mph, and Lightning Strikes, winner of Class 2 in 49 minutes and 30 seconds. Other class winners included The Famous Dry Martini, Team JB-R, Frode Racing, Carpe Diem and Eastlands Offshore.
Shamrock Quay played a central role in supporting race operations throughout the weekend, providing dedicated race berthing, scrutineering areas and operational support for teams, officials and safety crews, alongside hospitality and spectator facilities across the marina.
Ocean Village Cup and Mercury round
The championship will return to MDL on 4 July for the inaugural MDL Marinas Ocean Village Cup at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton. Supported by Approved Boats, the event will feature a dedicated prizegiving ceremony and presentation of the new Ocean Village Cup trophy, with Ocean Village Marina’s vibrant waterfront setting and extensive shoreside hospitality providing a strong backdrop to what is expected to become a key annual fixture within the UKOPRA calendar.
Later in the month, the championship heads to Mercury Yacht Harbour in Hamble on 25 July, where competitors and guests will benefit from extensive berthing facilities alongside on-site accommodation options including holiday park homes and marine lodges. Hospitality throughout the event weekend will also be supported by the marina’s waterfront restaurant, The Gaff Rigger, in one of the South Coast’s most established marina settings.
Danielle Strawford, Events Operations Manager at UKOPRA / World Powerboat Events Ltd, comments: “We’re delighted to be working with MDL Marinas across multiple rounds of the 2026 championship. Each venue brings something different to the season, from the race-day atmosphere at Shamrock Quay to the vibrant waterfront setting at Ocean Village and the welcoming environment at Mercury Yacht Harbour.
“The opening round at Shamrock Quay was a fantastic way to start the championship, with record team entries and strong spectator support despite difficult conditions on the water.”
Debbie Burns, Marina Manager at Mercury Yacht Harbour, adds: “Hosting UKOPRA championship rounds across the MDL network is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the facilities and experience our marinas can offer for major marine events.
“The success of the opening round at Shamrock Quay demonstrated the enthusiasm and support the championship continues to attract, and we’re looking forward to welcoming teams and visitors to both Ocean Village and Mercury later in the season. A huge thank you also goes to the marina teams for helping coordinate the events and facilities across the network.”
The three events will collectively bring thousands of visitors, race teams and spectators to MDL destinations across the South Coast throughout the 2026 championship season.
For more information on the 2026 UKOPRA Championship calendar and spectator updates, visit: www.ukopra.org/calendar
For more information on MDL: www.mdlmarinas.co.uk
