Sheikh Hassan Returns to Powerboat Racing with Steve Curtis in Key West

Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani has confirmed his return to international powerboat racing after an 11-year hiatus. The former Qatari offshore racer, who was a prominent competitor in the UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship, will team up with his former throttleman, Steve Curtis MBE, for the upcoming 44th Annual Offshore World Championship in Key West, Florida, from November 2 to 9, 2024.

Sheikh Hassan, who stepped away from the sport at the end of 2014, expressed his excitement about re-entering the competitive scene. Curtis has maintained a presence in American offshore racing, and the duo aims to revive the iconic Spirit of Qatar 96 racing hull name with a new vessel, competing in the Extreme class.

Preparing for the Championship

The partnership will commence with testing scheduled for the third week of October. Sheikh Hassan stated, “Our last race together was in 2014, but I am confident that Steve and I will settle in quickly with the new boat. Our goal will be the podium and to establish plans for the 2026 season.”

During their previous tenure with the Spirit of Qatar Team, the pair achieved remarkable success, including a record-breaking water speed of 244 mph at the 26th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in 2014. This legacy sets a high bar as they prepare for their return to competition.

The Key West racing festival comprises three races and is known for its vibrant atmosphere. The festivities will kick off with a parade through the streets of Key West on November 2, followed by technical checks and registration on November 3. Official testing will occur on November 4, leading up to the first Extreme race for the Truman Waterfront Cup on November 5.

Event Schedule and Community Engagement

Additional testing is allowed on November 6, followed by the second race for the Southernmost Continental Championship on November 7. The event organizers have planned numerous spectator-friendly activities in Truman Waterfront Park on November 8, culminating with the final race for the Conch Republic Championship on November 9.

The partnership between Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis not only revives a storied racing legacy but also brings renewed excitement to the powerboat racing community. With their shared history of success, fans eagerly anticipate their performance in the upcoming championship.