Ireland to host powerboat grand prix
No, it’s not Michael Schumacher in his Formula 1 Ferarri, but his waterborne counterparts in the F1 Powerboat Grand Prix.
And the F1 boats, which accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just over three seconds, are set to make some very fast waves on Waterford’s river Suir this autumn. The first ever UIM F1 Powerboat Grand Prix of Ireland will be held off Waterford marina on September 13-15.
Sponsor Bord Fáilte is hoping TV coverage will promote Ireland to a whole new range of viewers worldwide. Pilots from 23 nations will compete in the grand prix which will be televised live in over 60 countries.
Although there is no Irish F1 racer, Carrickfergus powerboat pilot Jim Woods, who has been racing in Formula 4 and Formula 2 for 25 years, is looking for sponsorship to race in Formula 1.
“It’s the adrenalin. Nothing gives me the same buzz as racing on the water. It’s much, much more exciting than racing in a car,” said Mr Woods, who hopes to be ready to compete in Waterford.
Niall Reddy, acting chief executive of Bord Fáilte, said the event was an ideal platform for promoting Ireland as a water sports venue. “It is exactly high profile international sporting events of this nature that we are targeting through Bord Failte’s international sports tourism initiative,” he said.
The initiative, set up by the Government in 2000, has an annual budget of 7.62 million to sponsor high-profile sporting events that can enhance Ireland’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. Other water sports supported by the initiative included the World Laser and Laser Master Championships in 2001 and the annual PWA Ireland Wave Grand Prix.
