2026

The Apache Team

Peter grew up around Apache and all who were involved. In building his team for 2026, he has turned to the sons and daughters of the original Apache race team — a conscious decision to honour the generation that made the boat legendary.

“David made Apache more than just a race boat; he made a team that reached far and wide and brought friends, family and the odd stranger together. Apache was the focus and the excitement, but the true joy was the team. I hope to follow in David’s footsteps with this ethos.” Peter Bonham Christie

The 2026 Team

Crew and Team

Peter Bonham Christie

Driver — New Custodian Hampshire-based entrepreneur and engineer. Has raced in various powerboat classes and championships around the world, including a World Speed Record in class on Coniston Water. Building a global business, Straight Eight Engineering, alongside the racing campaign. Grew up knowing Apache, the Hagan family and the wider team.

Bligh Julius

Throttleman Multiple national and international Thundercat champion who began racing at 16. His experience spans competitive racing across a wide range of classes, extensive two-boat testing and development work alongside Peter, ten years of RNLI service, and over 18 years as a commercially endorsed skipper. Founder of Onyx Events, a Lymington-based global events agency. His connection to Peter and to Apache runs deep.

Dan Howe

Navigator Son of legendary powerboat navigator Tony Howe, who raced alongside David Hagan through Apache’s most celebrated years. Dan comes with no powerboat racing experience but is a formidable yacht racer and navigator. His connections to Apache run deep — this is a family returning to a boat they helped make famous.

Sam Howe

Team Manager Daughter of Tony Howe. Sam has set up the Old School Apache Team, a hub of knowledge, stories and memorabilia from Apache’s golden era. Photo albums have been unearthed, attics raided, and original Apache race suits, helmets, team clothing and key rings recovered for 2026.

Dan Lee

Hull Specialist Award-winning boatbuilder and Hull Specialist for the Apache 555 project. Dan is responsible for the repair, maintenance and optimisation of Apache’s wooden hull. Beyond the workshop, Dan also supports the project’s media and communications producing technical YouTube content that documents the restoration and development process, while helping manage Apache’s social media presence and share the story of the boat’s return with a global audience.

Caspar Bradley

Engineer At just 19 years old, Caspar is the youngest member of the Apache 555 team. With a passion for powerboat racing and engineering, he plays a key role in maintaining, repairing and developing the boat’s engines and mechanical systems. Combining enthusiasm with a hands-on approach, Caspar is an important part of the team’s ongoing testing, preparation and race programme.

Legacy

Voices from the Golden Era

“I’m incredibly excited to now be alongside Peter on Apache 555 and to be part of what he’s building. Getting a boat to go faster isn’t about throwing more power at it – it’s about understanding the boat properly and making lots of small changes that together create a big overall impact.” Bligh Julius, Throttleman

“Growing up, Apache was almost mythical in offshore racing circles. To now be involved in bringing the boat back with Peter and the wider team is incredibly special, not just for us as a family but for everyone who remembers what these boats represented.” Dan Howe, Navigator

“That era of offshore racing was raw, adventurous and full of remarkable characters. Apache was one of the boats that captured the imagination of the sport. Seeing her back with a passionate new owner gives me enormous pride.” Tony Howe, Offshore Racing Veteran

“Apache was part of the stories of my childhood. My father navigated alongside that extraordinary generation of racers, and the names of those boats were spoken about with huge respect. Seeing Apache return feels like something coming full circle.” Sam Howe

“Crazy? Possibly. Nostalgic? Definitely. It is also very exciting and potentially magical. Dad would be there with an abundance of champagne wishing Peter and team the skill and speed to raise Apache back to glory. Buena suerte amigos.” Isabel Hagan, David Hagan’s daughter

“David loved offshore racing and the friendships that came with it. Apache was part of that world and part of that history. Seeing the boat being cared for and brought back to life is something he would have been thrilled to see.” Anita Hagan, former Apache Team Member