It was third time lucky for Southampton powerboat stars Richard White and Mark Keighley after they battled their way to the British Offshore Circuit Racing (OCR) title in Gibraltar last weekend.

After seven months of competition, the Gibraltar Powerboat Festival marked the climax of the OCR season with two hotly-contested races to decide the Championship.

Not wanting to leave anything to chance, the pair held nothing back on day one. This bold approach was rewarded with a first place race finish, but also the overall National OCR Championship title. But even with the British crown secured, White and Keighley in their boat Atti2ude still secured second spot in the final race on day two.

Yet the season has not been all plain sailing as driver White explained: "In the final race of the Nations Cup in Plymouth the engine blew. We had to finish the race to take the title and just about made it over the line"

"We then had two weeks to fix the engine but, when we were running it in, it blew as well. We only had four days before Gibraltar, so we had to make an engine up out of the spare one and the broken one."

The pre-race panic was soon forgotten when they powered to victory, and the triumph is a fitting end to White's partnership with navigator Keighley, who is retiring at the end of the season. After three years together, the pair have witnessed both highs and lows.

In 2000, an unfortunate 'in-boat' collision between the pair left White with a broken collarbone. But they returned in 2001 after intensive winter training with hopes of a top three

finish. But those early aspirations were dashed after an unfortunate incident with a fishing boat. "We were doing well and then suddenly the hydraulic steering snapped," recalled Richard. "The boat veered right, straight into a fishing boat, and at 80mph you do a lot of damage!

"Thankfully no-one was hurt but the fisherman had been building his boat for three years so he wasn't too pleased. The Royal Yachting Association's insurance covered us but I don't think we were in their good books after that."

Richard attributes some of the success to their new propeller. Developed by Propeller Revolutions, it has allowed them to increase their speed on flat races.

"We were always good in the rough, but used to be about 15th on flat waters," he explained. "This year we have been top three in every flat race which has allowed us to compete rather than just be rough water specialists as we had become known."

A natural step for Richard would be to tackle the European or World stages, but he said: "The boats at that level are longer and made of lighter materials which cost a lot more."

Although Richard has long-term sponsorship from Mike Prescott at Priciple Property and also 'Honest John's Car Parts,' he welcomes further financial help.

And he remains hopeful, saying: "Adam Younger is starting to build boats for these competitions. I think I'll look into sponsors this winter and see how the developments of the new boats look and maybe try the year after."

Despite the sponsorship issues, Richard insists that it is not an exclusive sport. "In the OCR category, boats and engines must be standard production models so it's not about who can afford the best model," he said. "OCR is to powerboat racing what touring cars are to motor sport, it's full of excitement.

"All you need is the basic materials to start with - and a very understanding wife!"

Anyone interested in OCR can call John Puddifoot, the powerboat racing manager for the UK at the RYA, on 02380 627400. OCR highlights can also be seen on Sky on the Fast Tracks programme at the end of the month.