04/06/26
Apache Offshore Powerboat Racing Team is pleased to announce their technical partnership with Clements Marine. The UK-based specialist has over 40 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of propellers and stern gear, with inhouse capabilities including design, casting, machining and finishing.
In January 2026, Clements Marine underwent a rebranding from Clements Engineering, following the acquisition by SLX Group. With a decades-long history of supporting the marine industry, SLX Group offers a wider reach for Clements Marine’s products across domestic and international markets.
Clements Marine will supply bespoke propellers to support Apache’s racing programme, contributing to the team’s ongoing work to return the iconic offshore powerboat to her original championship-winning performance and support her ongoing technical development.
The Apache project is built around a detailed, engineering-led approach, with every element of the boat developed as part of a fully integrated performance program.
Working in close collaboration with Dan Lee Boatbuilding and engine partners Perkins, Clements Marine will develop and optimise propeller configurations in parallel with the boat’s evolving setup, ensuring that hull dynamics, driveline efficiency, power delivery and propulsion remain fully aligned.
This coordinated approach is key to achieving measurable performance gains on the water, where balance, efficiency and power delivery are critical.
Clements Marine supplies propellers and stern gear to a range of commercial and leisure vessels and is renowned for its focus on quality and precision in manufacture.
This aligns with the Apache programme, centred around one of offshore racing’s most iconic hulls - a boat long-associated with speed, engineering precision and performance - now being developed through a structured, engineering-led approach.
PETER BONHAM CHRISTIE, OWNER OF APACHE, said, "To get the best out of Apache, every element of the boat has to be right. Clements Marine brings the experience and technical capability to deliver a propulsion solution that is properly matched to the boat and the wider setup. That is a key part of what we are looking to achieve."
JUSTIN BROOKING, CEO OF SLX GROUP AND CLEMENTS MARINE commented, "We are pleased to be working with the Apache team as a technical partner. Our approach is to provide propulsion solutions that are designed and manufactured to suit the specific requirements of each vessel, and we look forward to supporting the team in their development programme."
The addition of Clements Marine strengthens Apache’s technical programme, contributing to a coordinated effort across hull development, propulsion and overall setup.
Together, this reflects a clear objective - to return Apache to competitive performance through careful development and engineering.
Apache is one of the most iconic oVshore powerboats racing today. The woodenhulled Don Shead designed race-boat had a glittering race record culminating in winning the 1979 Class 2 offshore powerboat world championships, led by David Hagan before spending over two decades being exhibited in a Maritime Museum.
On closure of the museum, powerboat enthusiast Nick Wilkinson led a recommissioning of Apache from museum exhibit to a working racing boat.
Under the new custodianship of Peter Bonham Christie, Apache will be returning to her iconic steel blue and gold livery with an engineering focus to deliver to championship-level performance and competing in the UKOPRA race series.
Apache Offshore Racing Team
Website: https://apache555.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ApacheOffshore555
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apacheoffshore555
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apacheoffshore555
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Photo: Malc Attrill Photography
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