CHECK OUT ALL THE BOAT ACTION ON THE MERE FOR 2009...
The 2009 Cholmondeley Pageant of Power again plays host to the thrills and excitement of circuit powerboat racing, from the F2 big cats to the junior racers who are our stars of the future. This weekend you will
see the fantastic Thundercats, not often seen inshore, they add a new dimension to having fun on the water! Circuit powerboat racing is regulated in the UK by The Royal Yachting Association whose patron is HRH the Princess Royal; its activities are support by the Circuit Racing committee . Unlike its “sister” sport offshore, circuit racing takes place on inshore waters throughout the UK. As you will see the action is perfect for spectators with the boats battling for glory, it’s close, competitive and fast!
Juniors
The juniors range from 9 years to 16 years, both girls and boys compete on equal terms with 250 cc 15 hp engines. But don’t be fooled, these youngsters really go - with speeds up to 45 mph and on water, that’s fast! The boats will be racing in heats with the winner being the boat with the most cumulative points over the weekend. Watch out for last year’s winner and the 2008 British Champion Alex Gilbert who will be out to claim the top prize, and three times British Champion Ben Morse. But will they be out done by the girls? Charlotte Gilbert, Natalie Craddock and Charlotte Newton who will be aiming to beat the boys and each other!
Senior OSY Class
These boats are not for the faint hearted, the driver has two choices of driving position, either kneeling or laying flat facing forward. Each boat is powered by a 400 cc engine with a hand throttle in one hand and the other hand on the steering wheel. Each boat is started in gear off the jetty by a member of the drivers pit crew. The hull just “skims” the surface and you will see a huge plume of water as the boat and driver powers around the turn buoy. Watch out for the current British Champion Tony Knights of the Tiger's team, he will be roaring off the line hoping to win the top honors.
So as with everything associated with Chomondedley there’s always more and Thundercat racing is here again with some of the most exciting thrills and spills. Powered by Tohatsu 750 cc 50 hp outboards and manned by a driver and co-pilot this is a real team sport. Mostly seen around the coast line racing from the beach, these competitors like it a bit rougher than our Mere will produce, but all the same well worth watching. This year why not pop down to the Thundercat village and get the low down on how to get involved.
Brietling Racers-F4 Catamarans
These come in the form of the F4 catamarans. These racers are battling not only for glory but the ultimate timepiece, an amazing Brietling wristwatch. Last year’s winner and 2007 World Champion Mark Williams will be back to try to do it again, but will he be in time! Some of the young guns will be trying hard too; Mathew Palfreyman will hope to finish with his boat in tacked after an incident in the final heat in 2008 and maybe just come out on top.
If all this is still not enough then the next class will round of what will be the ultimate motoring event, the F2 big cats! With top speeds in excess of 120 mph the drivers will be racing against each other in heats with the final like the F4’s on Sunday. Colin Jelf the current F2 World Champion for the third time and continental cup champion will be aiming to show why he is the world’s number one. The driver needs incredible skill and ability to get the huge amount of power around the turn buoys. It’s the ultimate thrill both for the competitor and spectator.
Take the chance to meet all the drivers and teams down in the pits and get a program signed! Everyone involved in powerboats will be pleased to make you welcome, our RYA stand is a great place to find out how to get involved. Powerboat racing is one of the most affordable forms of motor sport with plenty of variety to satisfy those who want a bit more for less.