The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Go Go Go!
From Cowes to Torquay, followed by cameras all the way, the world’s fastest powerboats speed along the south coast.
From the collection of:
Overview
On a calm, clear day and filmed in spectacular style from the powerboats themselves, helicopters, low-flying planes and following speedboats, this glamorous event showcases the fastest powerboat technology of the time, as well as some of the latest fashions. Technical problems with the powerful engines and a catastrophic fuel-tank fire raise the tension throughout the race until the clear winner finally emerges, and celebrations follow.
In 1961, the Cowes-Torquay race was introduced by Sir Max Aitken as the first offshore powerboat race in Britain. Initially sponsored by the Daily Express newspaper, it is the longest-running offshore powerboat race in the world and building on the already established US Miami-Nassau race, introduced offshore powerboat racing to the rest of the world. The 1967 Cowes-Torquay race was the last if its kind, as the following year the format became Cowes-Torquay-Cowes to enable the event to qualify as a championship heat for the newly introduced World Offshore Championship.
Related
Watch for free
Funeral of Queen Victoria: Funeral Procession at Cowes Funeral of Queen Victoria: Funeral Procession at Cowes
Non-Fiction 1901 3 mins Silent Location: Cowes
Images from the first leg of the solemn procession
Watch for free
Portsmouth & Southampton during the summer of 1929 Portsmouth & Southampton during the summer of 1929
Amateur film 1929 9 mins Silent Location: Portsmouth Harbour
Come aboard a jolly mini-cruise around the Solent in this fascinating 1929 film from Ralph Staley - featuring his wife Ellen, his daughter Pam and the Mauretania
Watch for free
A Holiday on the Isle of Wight A Holiday on the Isle of Wight
Amateur film 1950 9 mins Silent Location: Ryde
Join the Thomspon family on their Isle of Wight holiday in this delightfully nostalgic film from 1950
Watch for free
The Turn of the Tide The Turn of the Tide
Amateur film 1934 12 mins Silent Location: London
Hunger marchers demonstrate and the London season opens: the contrast between rich and poor in 1930s Britain
Watch for free
Honey Country Honey Country
Documentary 1950 15 mins Silent Location: Aldershot
The hives of Hampshire are the centrepiece of this tour of the county, from Aldershot to Bournemouth and all points in between.
Watch for free
Royal Cowes Regatta Royal Cowes Regatta
Non-Fiction 1922 2 mins Silent Location: Cowes
High society and the royal couple celebrate Cowes Week, 1922.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.