Navigator of racing boat C56 SB Dave Simpkins, left, and Guernsey powerboating safety officer Robert Dodsworth. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0632576)
ORGANISERS of the Powerboat World Championships are hoping that the weather will hold out for this week’s event. It kicks off today with the official practice race for the first premier world powerboat championship to be held in Guernsey for 11 years.
But safety officer Robert Dodsworth said if weather conditions were poor, the racing might not go ahead.
‘We will do our best to hold the races, but it depends on the weather. We are getting updates from the harbour master and we might have to make a few decisions.’
Organisers may have to change the course of the three different races. ‘We can crown a world champion after two races, so if the third one can’t go ahead, then all is not lost,’ said Mr Dodsworth.
A spokeswoman from Jersey Met. office said the weather would continue to be unsettled at the end of the week.
‘Winds could reach up to force seven and the conditions could be choppy and prove challenging.
‘But it looks likely to be better towards the end of Sunday.’
Mr Dodsworth said that despite the weather Guernsey was one of the best places to hold a competition.
‘Guernsey has the right seas, the right people, the right organisers and it’s perfect.’
The competitors, who have now all arrived in the island, have travelled from countries such as Sweden, Italy, UK, France.
The types of powerboats that will be used include monohulls and catamarans, which favour different conditions.
Leaders in British national championships and UK competitors Scott Collings and Dave Simpkins said that they were looking forward to getting going.
‘It has been a long lead-up to the event, which has caused a few nerves, but now we are here we just want to start the racing,’ said Mr Simpkins, who is the navigator of the C56 S B racing boat.
The driver, Mr Collings, has been taking part in competitions for three years.
‘We are feeling quite confident.
‘The boat has been reliable so far and we know what we are doing,’ he said.
‘We have a bat boat, which likes conditions that aren’t too choppy but yet not too flat. So the weather will make a difference.’
Article posted on 3rd September, 2008 - 11.30am
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