Powerboat racing championship finale kicks off today (From Thisisdorset)

Powerboat racing championship finale kicks off today

10:00am Saturday 15th September 2012 in Latest By Emma Walker

TODAY the top names in water sports will battle it out on the waves of Weymouth Bay.

A two-day national powerboat racing championship finale will be held over the weekend, providing an extra economic boost and added entertainment for the town after the Olympics.

Four races will take place across this weekend in the high-speed P1 SuperStock UK Championship.

Britain’s top jet-ski riders will also compete on the waters in the season finale of the 2012 P1 AquaX Championship.

It is a brand-new style of jet-ski competition for sea-riding enthusiasts.

The event, which was originally planned to take place in Southampton, will see all four 2012 Aqua Cross titles decided.

Simon North, of P1 SuperStock UK, said: “It is great to be holding the finale here in Weymouth especially after the Olympic events.

“Everyone should come out and watch the championship, it is free and can be seen from across the Bay.”

At the final race meeting of the season the blue riband 300 class will see reigning holder Russell Marmon compete with a 27 point lead over Tim Batte of Hinckley.

Mr Marmon, who is from Christchurch, said: “I’m basically aiming to ride smart races and not do anything too silly.

“Having said that, I am there to be competitive and to win so I won’t be taking things easy.

“I won’t be changing my style of riding, it’ll be another day at the office really.”

The three other classes, 250, 200 and the Sea-Doo challenge, will be decided in the last of the Weymouth races.

AquaX held the first four events in Plymouth, Hull, Eastbourne and Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

In the powerboat series, the 2012 champions in both the P1 250 and P1 150 classes will be determined in what promises to be a dramatic finale to the series.

The racing will be shown on Sky television.

Residents, holidaymakers and day visitors can view all the action on the race-course from around Weymouth Bay. All are welcome to pop into the Powerboat P1 Race Centre truck which is located by the Pavilion.

Our Emma gets behind the wheel

Dorset Echo reporter Emma Walker took to the waters in one of the championship powerboats...

AT no point in my life did I think I would be driving a £75,000 powerboat across Weymouth Bay.

But thanks to reigning P1 250 champion John Wilson I was invited to hop onboard and give it a go.

Before we set off Mr Wilson reassuringly said: “Hit me, scream or shout if you’re not okay and need me to stop.”

I gripped on for dear life as the furiously fast boat bounced off the waves as we swerved around the race course.

Little did I know as we hurtled towards Osmington that I would soon be told to get behind the wheel and put my foot down.

A powerboat ride is a definite must for those looking for fast, furious and adrenaline-filled fun.