Thundercat Powerboat Racing heading to Portsmouth

RYA Thundercat National Championship, 27-28 June ThunderCat powerboat racing will be heading to Portsmouth this weekend, 27-28 June.

Dubbed the world’s toughest watersport, 21 four-metre inflatable boats will compete in Rounds Seven and Eight of the RYA ThunderCat National Championships. 
Under the power of their 50hp outboard the boats can reach speeds of more than 60mph as the team’s battle for pole positions, a place in the top 12 and ultimately the winner’s trophy. 
Spectators will be able to view this free event from the promenade and beach, while an “F1 style pit lane” on Castle Fields, will allow those attending to get close to the boats, race crew and support teams. 

 Race sponsor and event organiser Alan Priddy commented: “This will be quite a show. ThunderCat racing is high octane high adrenaline speedboat racing and we have the best teams in the country heading to Portsmouth.  
 “Looking at the race course this is going to be fast, possibly the fastest course of the entire competition. The boats will be hitting speeds of 60mph as they skim over the waves. It will be an amazing sight.”  
Live entertainment and hands on fun
Alongside the racing, spectators will be entertained by live music from Quay of Sea and Simon Long, Union King, Blues Brothers Duo, Queen of Fools, Carpenters Tribute, Lucky 13, Mantic Muddlers, Hometown Show, the Monkey Butlers, Amy Baker, Devin Jade, Diana Ross Tribute, the Dave Baker Project, Fleetingwood Mac and Kojak’s Revenge. 
And for those who want a more hands on experience there will archery, land fishing and watersport taster sessions to complete the fun packed line up. 
Alan continued: “We are particularly pleased that Team Endeavour, a boat crewed by injured and wounded servicemen and women will taking part in the races skippered by Captain Stuart Croxford.” 
Captain Croxford has recently joined the crew of Team Britannia, Alan Priddy’s latest round the world record attempt, and will be helping to select and train the other injured and wounded veterans.  
Event promises to be a real spectacle
Alan concluded: “I am so pleased to be part of a team bringing ThunderCat racing to our City. It really is a spectacle, fast action packed racing, with the boats and their crew being pushed to the limits. 
“Spectators will be able to get close to the action as the boats are launched from the beach and come to within a few yards of the shore. Even when they are out of the water our F1 style pit lane will allow any petrol head to see these machines being repaired and rebuilt, while being entertained by some of the best bands from Portsmouth.  

“We have a fun packed weekend of speedboat racing planned which will showcase why Portsmouth is the best place in the world for watersports. While to complement the ThunderCat racing we have laid on a programme of great music and entertainment.” 

25/6/2015 20:47