THOUSANDS of spectators will descend on Greenock this weekend to watch the Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of the Sea UK Championships.
To give Tele readers a taste of what’s in store, the dynamic duo who form the crew for the Inverclyde powerboat – Dino Zavaroni and Gordon Wicklow – took our reporter Rosemary Lowne and photographer George Munro out for a spin on the P1 Panther boat they will race at the first Scottish P1 SuperStock race.
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HURTLING along the Clyde at 65mph may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there can be few experiences more exhilarating.
An invitation to experience the adrenaline-fuelled sport of powerboat racing with Greenock’s very own top drivers Dino Zavaroni and Gordon Wicklow is not one to turn down.
Yesterday was a gloriously sunny day and the Clyde was calm as we went for a ride in the lead up to the Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of the Sea UK Championships.
After slowly moving out of James Watt Dock and into the open expanse of the Clyde, Dino slammed down the throttle and the speedometer became a blur as we reached 65mph in a matter of seconds.
It really was heart in the mouth stuff – but I still managed to smile and wave to our photographer George Munro on the neighbouring boat!
We skimmed past the Beacon and Ocean Terminal and along the Esplanade before turning round and whizzing back up the river. By the time the sleek 28ft vessel glided to a halt back at the dock, I was buzzing with excitement.
Back on dry land, both Gordon and Dino told the Tele they are revved up and raring to go for the weekend’s racing.
Dino said: “It’s going to be an incredible event and we’re both looking forward to racing in front of our home crowd.
“It’s free, so everyone should come down and soak up the atmosphere.”
Crowds will be able to get a great view of the action along the race route from the dock right along to the end of the Esplanade. Roy Mantle, head of PR for P1, said: “It’s gearing up to be a fantastic event especially as the weather is looking fairly calm for the weekend.
“The important thing is that this is very much a family event and it’s free to watch. We hope to have about 20,000 spectators there who will line the Esplanade for the two days of racing.
“We have got two full days of racing on Saturday and Sunday as well as hydroflight and jetski displays.
“There will also be the Inverclyde Showcase with up to 40 local tourism related businesses.”
The P1 Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea has been up brought here by Inverclyde Council and regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde.
Councillor Jim Clocherty says it will put the area in the global spotlight.
He said: “We are really looking forward to bringing the world to Inverclyde to show off exactly what we have got to offer. It’s a chance to show-off local businesses to their full.”
Neil Lochiel, of Riverside Inverclyde, added: “This is the first time this kind of international event and it’s going to be shown across 139 countries and in four million homes. It’s great.”
You can also see more from Team DDZ Racing on their website: www.SpiritofInverclyde.co.uk
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