fastonwater

News and Events

Closure of the Basildon Motor Boat Museum – December 2009

It is with regret that we have to announce the closure of the Basildon Motor Boat Museum. The museum was opened in 1986 and was the first pure powerboat museum in the world. It housed what became an amazing collection of boats and memorabilia relating to both the history of offshore and circuit powerboat racing. Due to the economic climate, Basildon Council were finding it increasingly difficult to fund this unique collection, and when funding became available to set up an eco-centre within the Watt-Tyler Country Park, their decision was to utilise the building that housed the National Motor Boat Museum. The Friends of the Museum strived in the very little time given to them to find a new home for the collection, but unfortunately time ran out and the exhibits were returned to their original owners.
Once again we see a total disregard for what is an important part of Britain’s sporting heritage. This was a unique collection which had been loved and nurtured by those involved at the museum. With the economic climate the way it is, will we ever see its like again?
(any thoughts on this or other related matters – email fastonwater@live.co.uk)

-----STOP PRESS-----
Due to the closure of the Basildon Motor Boat Museum, we have been asked if we would like to be the custodians of the ‘Charlie Sheppard Archive’. The archive contains the paper ephemera collected by Charlie during his years of involvement with the CMBRC, the Embassy Grands Prix and the 1975 races in Cardiff Docks. The archive will be available to anyone who wishes to access its contents. In due course we will add a list of the archive’s contents to the website. If you would like any further info on the Charlie Sheppard Archive please email fastonwater@live.co.uk

Just a quick mention of a new book by Roberto Bigi and Antonio Collini on the history of circuit powerboat racing in Italy. Info below.

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Do you recognise the boat below?

Richard Nash is in the process of restoring BillShakepseare's Class X race boat. He's looking for more detailed photos/plans to help in the restoration. If you have any info that might help him in his quest please contact fastonwater@live.co.uk

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