The 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Great Race saw the powerboat Heatwave conquer punishing sea conditions to emerge as the first and fastest vessel to arrive in Tobago. Manned by a skilled crew, the boat braved rough open waters from Chaguaramas to Store Bay, securing an outstanding victory in one of the event’s most challenging editions.
Despite a yellow-level weather alert and a passing tropical wave that threatened to cancel the race, the Trinidad & Tobago Powerboat Association (TTPBA) proceeded after receiving updated meteorological advice. Roughly 30 powerboats started the grueling 90-mile course around 7:00 AM. Wave heights reached up to 2.5 meters in open water, creating severe mechanical and structural hazards for many elite entries.
The high attrition rate forced at least nine boats to retire. Notable crowd favorite Mr. Solo Too (130 mph class) took on water and suffered a complete electrical failure just two miles short of Tobago. Fellow heavy-hitter Iron Man was also forced out, leaving both the 120 mph and 130 mph classes without a finisher.
Despite the intense rivalry, the event highlighted strong maritime solidarity. The crew of Big Yellow paused their own competitive run to tow the disabled vessel Outlaw to safety mid-crossing.
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