2015 RYA National ThunderCat Racing Tour preview

by RYA on 31 Jul 2015 360 Beach and Watersports, Swansea Bay, will be hosting the only Welsh stage of the RYA National ThunderCat Racing Tour, eighth - ninth August 2015, along with a Grand Prix Party from 19:30 on the eighth August.

This spectacular weekend of powerboat racing is a free spectator event and will provide awesome entertainment for all the family. ThunderCats were first designed and produced in South Africa in the early 80s. From humble beginnings ThunderCats have increased in both speed and popularity.

ThunderCats are currently raced in 18 countries world-wide and reach speeds in excess of 60 knots.

With more than 30 boats in the UK fleet ThunderCat Racing has become the ultimate and largest extreme RYA National Powerboat Championship in the UK. During the annual UK tour these light weight and high powered ThunderCats battle it out in a series of races to be crowned the UK ThunderCat Champions.

The racing will take place close to the beach directly in front of 360 Beach and Watersports between approximately 11:00–16:00 on both days. 360’s elevated position and surrounding beach area will ensure great viewing so large numbers of spectators can enjoy the event. The boats race in multiple heats per hour ensuring there is always maximum visual impact on the water.

James Tapp, pilot of boat 22 ‘Microlink’ and current leader of the UK Championships commented: “My team can’t wait to head to 360 Beach and Watersports on Swansea Bay for rounds nine and ten of the 2015 RYA National ThunderCat Championships. Although we are leading the championships at present, we crashed out in the last event held in Portsmouth at the end of June, so we have a lot to prove in Swansea.

“The location looks perfect for ThunderCat racing, the circuit course design will lend itself to fast, close action and will no doubt provide some breath-taking moments for the Swansea crowds.”

Andy Edwards, pilot of local Mumbles based boat 19 ‘ANE Marine’ said: “As our team is based in Swansea, it is fantastic that we will have the opportunity to race in front of a home crowd this season.

“Swansea Bay is a great location for so many different watersports and will make an awesome venue for extreme ThunderCat racing. The event is free for spectators so make sure you come and cheer on your local team and enjoy all the action.”

Kate Hannington, General Manager of 360 Beach and Watersports, said she is “thrilled to be hosting this awesome weekend of ThunderCat racing, as a free spectator event this will help 360 achieve its vision of delivering accessible sport and activity for all and promote Swansea Bay as a hub for National competition.

“Being a not for profit business means the money we make in our Café Bar can be used to offer free or low cost sport to the local community, school groups, students and tourists, it also enables us to host events like the ThunderCat National Tour.

“Since we opened at the end of September 2012 nearly 35,000 people have taken part in a sport at 360, this event will not only help increase our participation figures but also allow us to showcase all we have to offer.

“We’ll be firing up the BBQ daily during the event and our Café Bar will open from 09:30 for a wide selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, hot food, ice cream and alcoholic beverages.”

Get your ticket

Make sure you join the race teams and crew at 360 for the Grand Prix Party from 19:30 on Saturday 08 August.

Book your tickets online for just £15 per person, includes a drink on arrival, BBQ and live music from The Bogtrotters who will get you groovin’ on the dance floor ‘til the early hours. Advanced booking is required as tickets are limited and selling fast!