2016 Powerboat GP RYA British Championship revving up for blast off

by RYA on 26 Apr 2016 The 2016 Powerboat GP RYA British Championship kicks off with the Lowestoft Grand Prix over the Bank Holiday weekend (01-02 May). Some 50 competitors, spanning seven different powerboat classes, will battle it out at Oulton Broad for the honour of the first points in the 2016 championship.

It’s been a long winter and teams will be raring to get back out on the water as the action unfolds with many putting in hours of winter preparation and testing, they will all be eager to challenge for the first turn buoy of the season to see who could come out on top.

As the 2015 season came to a close the mighty F2 Catamaran championship was just hotting up with some great battles ensuing between the fleet. Victorious Steve Hoult will be hoping to take first blood and keep adversaries Colin Jelf and Paul Balfour who both boast multiple British Titles at bay in a battle that promises to be a nail biter as they begin the campaign to secure this year’s British Title.

Meanwhile local youngster Thomas Mantripp will not only attempt to defend the hotly contended Junior GT15 class but will also move up to the GT30 championship where he will look to stake a claim on his first adult championship title at the age of 14. Both classes will provide strong competition for the local youngster.

Hydroplanes action

A highlight of the Lowestoft Grand Prix is the fleet of hydroplanes taking to the water as the OSY400 Hydro’s compete for the 2016 championship skipping across the water at speeds in excess of 65mph. With their faces mere millimetres from the water the drivers traverse their way around the course contending with gusting winds and other competitors.

Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club’s Commodore Peter Mantripp had this to say on hosting the opening round of the 2016 Powerboat GP RYA Championship: “The club has a strong history of Powerboat Racing and to once again be hosting the opening round of the Powerboat GP championship is a great opportunity for the club.

“Bank Holiday racing on the broads always brings huge crowds to Nicholas Everitt Park and produces a great spectacle for spectators. The action is always fast and furious and the park creates perfect viewing for anyone that wants to catch every second of the action.”

Check out all the action

Racing at Oulton Broad commences on Sunday 01 May with timed practice session taking place from 12:00 for each class, where the drivers will be fighting for that all-important pole position. In the afternoon, racing is set to start around 14:00 and each class will complete at least one race. A full day of action takes place the following day from 12:00.

Powerboat GP promoter Jason Brewer is looking forward to the season getting underway “Now in our fifth Year the 2016 Championship is looking to be another fantastic season.

“Even more of our junior racers are moving up to senior classes adding more experience into our fleets. The competition will be really close especially at the first round as championships can be won and lost right from the first heat of the season.'

To get up close and personal with the action, there is a small gate charge applicable within the park. Everybody is welcome to come along and enjoy the show and you will be able to see the racing from anywhere around the banks or you can join the racers, their skilled mechanics, pit crew and teams in Nicholas Everitt Parking area where you can listen to the live commentary.