Sheikh Hassan Makes Comeback to Offshore Racing at Key West

Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani has announced his return to international powerboat racing after an 11-year absence. The former Qatari offshore racer, who previously dominated the UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship, will partner with British throttleman Steve Curtis MBE at the 44th Annual Offshore World Championship in Key West, Florida, from November 2-9, 2023.

Hassan, a seasoned competitor, last raced in 2014, when he decided to step back from the sport. During his absence, Curtis has remained active, competing at the highest levels of American offshore racing. Together, they will revive the iconic Spirit of Qatar 96 racing hull, this time with a new boat, as they enter the Extreme class.

Preparation for the Championship

The duo is eager to return to the water, with plans to conduct testing during the third week of October, just ahead of the championship. “Our last race together was in 2014, but I am sure that Steve and I will settle in quickly,” stated Sheikh Hassan. “The goal, of course, will be the podium and to set plans in motion for the 2026 season.”

One of their outstanding achievements as a team includes setting a remarkable water speed record of 244 mph during the 26th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in Missouri in 2014. This record highlights their potential as they prepare for the upcoming series of races in Key West.

Event Schedule and Highlights

The Key West racing festival is renowned for its excitement, consisting of three main races. The event 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 is set for November 4, leading to the first Extreme race for the Truman Waterfront Cup on November 5.

Further testing will occur on November 6, ahead of the second race for the Southernmost Continental Championship on November 7. The event will feature numerous spectator-friendly activities at Truman Waterfront Park on November 8, culminating in the final race for the Conch Republic Championship on November 9.

With the backing of Qatar’s Ministry of Sport and Youth, Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis are poised to make an impressive return to the sport, rekindling their partnership in a thrilling championship that promises to captivate racing fans worldwide.