The final round of the 2008 Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Championship held in Douglas, Isle of Man on Saturday 13th September took an unusual twist, as the new and current Blue Peter presenters took to the waves in a special race to mark the 50th Anniversary of the CBBC show.

With their identities finally revealed, current Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere joined new crew members Helen Skelton and Joel Defries in a head to head battle around the challenging course in 150hp Honda-powered Cougar powerboats. Following intensive individual safety training at Cougar Marine, the trio joined up with their new Honda Formula Four Stroke team mates - Rose Lores of Locamotion, John Wilson of Premier Cru and Graham Foster-Vigors of Ebel - and jumped into their respective boats.

The three teams set off for the testing four lap race with Helen and Rose in Locamotion taking an early lead. Ebel, driven by Andy and navigated by Graham, were left behind in their wake along with Premier Cru piloted by Joel and John. With all three presenters at the wheel the heat was on, but Helen continued to advance, leaving the boys scrapping for second place. The all girl team finally took the chequered flag after the 20 minute battle, with team Ebel (Andy) scraping second place and team Premier Cru (Joel) taking third.

All was not yet over, as the biggest challenge was yet to come. The winning team had to race none other than eight times Class 1 World Powerboat Champion, Steve Curtis MBE. Taking the reins of the Ebel boat along with his navigator, Steve fired up the engine to put Helen and Rose in Locamotion to the test. Both boats set off across the bay, and in an unbelievable start Helen took the lead, leaving the World Champion to play with her wake. Steve pushed hard to catch the Blue Peter star but Helen and Rose scorched their way to yet another victorious finish – their second of the day.

Helen Skelton commented: “It was a total fluke, I just kept my foot down and went for it!”

Joel Defries commented: “"I think I could be the worst driver of the three. Helen should give up presenting and become a powerboat driver - she is a natural!"

Steve Curtis, Series Director of Honda Formula 4-Stroke commented:
“Helen drove really well for a beginner. I must admit that I was put to shame – perhaps I better start looking for another job! It isn’t easy to control these boats if you are new to the sport, but Helen has clearly proved that a Blue Peter presenter is a tougher cookie than I’d thought. I would say I let her win, but I have to be honest, I couldn’t catch her.”

The Blue Peter race will be aired on October 21 as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the show.