Stuart Field investigates the deliciously tempting world of affordable race boats . . .

Throughout history, the Scandinavians have displayed a strong affinity with boats. Come to think of it, they have also exhibited a rare ability to load quite diminutive craft with crew and provisions, before crossing extremely inhospitable seas to pillage unsuspecting nations and return safely home with their spoils.
Fortunately, things have changed and the Nordic nations seem content to savour their remarkably high standard of living while peacefully trading with the rest of the world. But somewhere along the way, they have become acute petrol heads, developing an almost supernatural ability to design fast boats, aircraft and cars. Remarkably, despite their small populations, they have also endowed the planet with a disproportionate number of people able to get rally cars through snowy forests at horrendous speeds, drive F1 cars to podium places on the world’s circuits, and design and pilot (very successful) race boats. But perhaps the marine success of the Scandinavians, the greatest boat owning nations on earth, is down to their kids learning to handle powerboats almost as soon as they can walk - which brings us in a characteristically roundabout way to the heart of this story . . .

To read more pick up a copy of the August issue of Sports Boat and RIB magazine or subscribe today.