Rallye Sunseeker 2012
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Rallye Sunseeker 2012
09 February 2012
There's a strong and long standing connection between Cowes, powerboats and also motor racing. In fact last year as well as the British Powerboat Festival, Cowes welcomed the Historic Rally Endurance Organisation which made Cowes the official start for its Summer Trial at the Panerai British Classic week. This filled Cowes Yacht Haven with classic cars as well as the classic boats you would expect to see, it was a very popular combination.
Lewis Hamilton sailing round the Island
Since the early days powerboats and motor sports has been intertwined with household names like Tommy Sopwith feeling just as at home driving around Goodwood as he was winning the first Cowes-Torquay Power Boat Race in 1961. From Donald Campbell and Didier Pironi to Eddie Jordan there has long been a significant cross-over. Many of the current Formula One drivers like Jensen Button and Lewis Hamilton have experienced sailing around the Isle of Wight in recent years too.
Car competing on Rallye Sunseeker
Sunseeker, one of the world's most successful motor boat manufacturers, is also very happy to have one foot on land having enjoyed a long association with one of the UK's most established motor rallies. Whilst February is a relatively quiet month for yachting in the Solent, Rallye Sunseeker sees the start of the MSA British Rally Championship which is based just over the water at Bournemouth and at Sunseeker's home town of Poole in Dorset. Together with the Goodwood Festival of Speed it is one of the few high-level motor sport events near to the Solent.
The full timetable for the rally is set out below and really is worth the trip down to Dorset to spectate:
FRIDAY 24th FEBRUARY 2012
• Scrutiny
See the rally crews & their cars close up as they are checked over by officials – this is at Purbeck Hall, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) in Bournemouth, featuring the Barbados Holiday Show, commentary, catering, MIS Big Screen TV & toilets - 10.00hrs-15.30hrs.
Adults £5, Children, under 16 Free if accompanied by an adult
• Ceremonial Start - Poole
From 17.45 to 20.00hrs all the cars will be on display on Poole Quay, meet all the rally stars up close & personal, including Autograph Sessions and see a Sunseeker motor yacht. Catering, Commentary & MIS Big Screen TV
SATURDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2012
• Car Park – ‘B’ - Ringwood South
Two stages: at 13.09 & 16.50hrs (catering & toilets)
Car park entrance: SU 195/118 069, off the B3081 [ BH24 3QE]
• Car Park – ‘C’ - Uddens Forest; catering & toilets
Car park entrance: SU 195/049 012, [ BH21 7BF]
Two stages: at 11.18 and 15.59 hrs
• Car Park – ‘D’ – Wareham Forest
At 08.13 hrs, (catering & toilets)
Car Park entrance: SY 195/903 897.
On the Coldharbour Road, north of Wareham [ BH20 7PE]
• A ‘Rover’ car park ticket can be purchased at any of the forestry car parks; price £25 per car, this allows access to all the forestry car parks venues above.
• Car Park – ‘A’ - Somerley Park (sponsored by Vale Motors)
Car park ticket £25 per car; commentary, toilets, catering, hospitality, Motorfair, classic car display, Pirelli Rally simulator, historic rally car demonstration, Buggy Raid, MIS Big Screen TV plus displays & activities
Two stages: at 10.49 and 14.29hrs. Car Park entrance, off the Alderholt Road:
SU 195/121 086 [BH24 3QG]
• Service Area (sponsored by Elliott)
Spectators can get close to the action at Elliott Canford Park Arena, venue for centralised servicing used several times during the day.
07.20, 09.19, 11.56,15.12 and 16.36hrs
Entry is £10 per car; (toilets & catering).
Car Park Entrance: SZ 195/043 973 [BH21 3AP]
• Champagne Finish Ramp Ceremony
The Ceremonial Finish is at 17.30hrs, in the presence of the Mayor of Bournemouth, in Pier Approach, Bournemouth
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