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Shortly after the turn of the century, the inaugral race meeting was held during Oulton Broad Regatta Week on Thursday 20th August 1903. This was part of the sailing programme organised by the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club under the auspices of the Norfolk Automobile & Launch Club. Six motorised launches competed in the single heat handicap event won by the steam launch, Monarch, driven by Mr T.Jary. After the turn of the century on Whit-Monday 1904, offshore motorboat racing was inaugurated off Lowestoft under the auspices of the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club. The following year the annual event for pleasure launches was moved inshore to Oulton Broad, organised by the British Motor Boat Club. This first ever race was won by Mr. F. Shepard in his 19ft launch 'Betty' powered by a 20hp Brooke inboard. |
 A pit scene from 1949 showing the old thatched clubhouse in the background. |
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All racing was terminated on the outbreak of WW1, and it was not until 1929 that offshore racing was resumed at Lowestoft with the first running of the Daily Mirror Trophy, but due to rough conditions the event was postponed for several years. The Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club - which had been founded in 1933 - was successful in persuading the newspaper to sponsor the trophy again with a £100 first prize, and it was transferred to Oulton Broad in 1936 where it has been held ever since. Just before the outbreak of WW2, the Germans turned up as usual for the Daily Mirror International, and for the 6p entrance fee the spectators saw a fantastic speed of 32.23 mph reached by a König powered competitor from Berlin. |
 C. Largefeuille racing his C class hydroplane circa 1950. |
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August Monday 1939 saw the last pre-war meeting, but enthusiasm returned with a vengeance on Whit-Monday 1946. Strings had to be pulled at this time as petrol was of course still on ration, but concessions were made to allow for enough fuel to be made available to allow for competitive racing.
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