AFTER five years of trouncing her opposition on the other side of the pond, the world's top female powerboat racer is back home in Hampshire - and aiming to take on the boys with her new all-girl racing team.

Former European offshore and American national champion Sarah Donohue unveiled her latest racing campaign at the London Boat Show yesterday, marking her return to the sport after a year-long break.

Along with teammate Jo Dixon, Sarah - who has been racing powerboats for 14 years - is planning to take on the big boys in the 2007 Honda Formula 4-Stroke series, a ten-race series set up by south coast powerboat champ Steve Curtis.

The pair were snapped up to crew the 23ft powerboat by racing team Delmar Surface Prep when Sarah returned from the United States earlier this year.

However, the girls' bid for the title hit problems before the boat even touched the water.

In line with Honda racing rules, Sarah and Jo will be forced to start the first race at the back of the 20-strong fleet, despite their years of racing.

"Because we are new to the race series, we have to start at the back which puts us immediately at a disadvantage," Sarah explained.

"It doesn't matter how long I've been racing previously, I'm new to Honda so to the back it is.

"We also need to completely re-rig the boat and get the set-up right, so the first year is all about learning, but that's not to say I won't be pushing it to the limit and chasing a podium placing.

"Delmar haven't put us in the boat because they think we are cute!"

The Honda Formula 4-stroke series marks a comeback for the 35-year-old, who has spent the past year concentrating on fitness competitions.

As a result, she holds the title of Superbody Champion and Britain's Fittest Woman.

In 1998 she also appeared as a stunt driver in the Bond film The World is Not Enough, and has also been a stunt double for Pamela Anderson.

Sarah, who lives in Hamble, is now concentrating on getting ready for the first race in the 2007 series in May.

"It's nice to be back in British waters for sure, although it's not quite as warm as Florida," she added.

"It's going to be very cold and very wet, but it will take me back to my roots."