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15/11/2007- Honda powers BBC Blue Peter halloween special

Thousands of people flocked to the south coast last Saturday (27 October) to watch Honda powered vessels take to the waves. On this occasion however, it wasn't the sight of Honda's Formula 4-Stroke powerboat fleet that caught their attention, rather two boats created from hollow giant pumpkins gingerly navigating their way through the Solent's choppy waters.

The race, which was filmed as part of BBC TV's Blue Peter Halloween Special saw two of the children show's presenters – Zoe Salmon and Konnie Huq – race head to head as they put their peculiar vessels to the test at the Royal Yacht Club in Hampshire.

Both pumpkins were powered by Honda's entry level BF2.3 outboard and the race started well but descended into comedy chaos when Zoe and Konnie headed in separate directions.

"We regularly help with filming requests," said Iain Radcliffe, Marketing Communications Manager Honda (UK), Power Equipment. "This was definitely one of the strangest calls we've had but it seemed like an opportunity we couldn't miss. We know how versatile Honda outboards are but I never thought I'd see our engines power pumpkins."

The boats were the brainchild of extreme pumpkin growers, Stuart and Ian Patten from Hampshire. The pair grew giant versions of the fruit, each weighing just over 500kg, and decided to turn their grand achievements into boats. The brothers then paired up with BBC Blue Peter to use the unusual vessels for its spooky Halloween Special programme which was aired on Wednesday 31st October.

Honda is the only manufacturer to produce such a wide variety of 4-stroke outboard engines, from compact models such as the 2.3hp to the latest and most powerful 225hp model. Honda also offers an industry leading five-year warranty. For more information on Honda's range of outboards please visit www.honda.co.uk.