Paul Mahy, event land co-ordinator of Powerboat Week, on the east arm at the North Beach. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0631546)

INTERNATIONAL powerboat racing returns next week to Guernsey waters for the first time in 11 years
About 20 boats from the UK, Sweden, Italy and France will be here to contest three races in the UIM Class 3C World Offshore Championship for two-litre craft.
Guernsey Powerboat Association safety officer Rob Dodsworth said the turnout would be similar to the last event that was held here.
‘Since 1997, powerboat racing at clubman level has been in decline because of the cost and it proves that people will come to Guernsey to race for the hospitality and because they know it will be a well-run event,’ he said.
Boats capable of travelling at more than 90mph will start arriving tomorrow. The QEII Marina’s east arm will form the pit area from where boats will be craned in and out of the water.
Two of the races will double up for British National Championship points.
The first safety briefing takes place at 7pm on Monday and people who can help are asked to turn up at the marquee in the pit area.
‘We’re always looking for divers,’ said Mr Dodsworth.
‘We just about have enough, but if anyone else can help out, we can arrange to put them on a rib.
‘Anybody who wants to help out on guard-boat duties, too, can come along as we often have boats that are needing crew.’
Channel Island racers to look out for next week include Sark’s John Guille, who has a new boat, Guernsey’s Kevin Walsh, who has great knowledge of local waters, and Jersey’s ex-world champion Roy Smith.
Race control will operate from Castle Cornet, with the latest information being relayed to the pits.
The event is being run in conjunction with Orda – the Offshore Racing Drivers’ Association.
Racing will take place between Guernsey and Sark and there will be variations to the course each time. Race two will take drivers in a southerly direction in the Goulliot Passage, between Brecqhou and Sark, for the first time.
The week’s charts for recommended spectator boat areas will be available from the pit marquee throughout.
Further details are available at www.guernsey2008.worldoffshore.com