Alkass English
After more than a decade away from the waves, Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani has announced a sensational comeback to international powerboat racing. The former Qatari offshore star, who stepped away from competition at the end of 2014, will once again team up with his long-time partner, British throttleman Steve Curtis MBE, for the 44th Annual Offshore World Championship in Key West, Florida, from November 2–9.
With backing from Qatar’s Ministry of Sport and Youth, the duo will revive the legendary Spirit of Qatar 96 name, competing in the Extreme class with a brand-new boat. Sheikh Hassan expressed excitement at the reunion, saying: “Our last race together was in 2014 but we will be testing during the third week of October before heading to Key West. The goal, of course, will be the podium and to set plans in motion for the 2026 season. It will be a new boat for us to run together but I am sure that Steve and I will settle in quickly.”
Sheikh Hassan and Curtis forged a formidable partnership in the past, highlighted by their record-breaking 244mph run at the 2014 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in Missouri, which still stands as one of the most iconic moments in offshore racing history.
The Key West festival promises another thrilling chapter. The action begins with a vibrant street parade on November 2, followed by registration and technical checks on November 3. Testing takes place on November 4, leading into the first race for the Truman Waterfront Cup on November 5. After more testing on November 6, the second showdown for the Southernmost Continental Championship is scheduled for November 7. Fans can enjoy onshore festivities on November 8 before the grand finale on November 9, when the Conch Republic Championship will be decided.
Sheikh Hassan’s comeback not only revives the Spirit of Qatar 96 legacy but also sets the stage for an exciting new era in Qatari powerboat racing.