GOOD luck to father and daughter speed merchants Dave and Ashleigh Finlayson as they prepare to represent Inverclyde this weekend at the powerboat Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea off Greenock’s Esplanade.

It takes nerves of steel to get in the cockpit of one of these super-fast boats, racing at speeds of up to 65mph as they bounce up and down on the waves.

Driver Dave and navigator Ashleigh’s ‘Spirit of Inverclyde’ will be cheered on by thousands of people lining the banks of the Clyde, hopefully basking in warm sunshine as the exciting activities are beamed to a worldwide TV audience.

The former British powerboat champions had to complete a special course to show them how to escape in timely fashion if their boat capsized, getting crucial guidance on underwater survival at Clyde Training Solutions.

Hopefully everything will go well and they will move up the PI Superstock rankings after finishing in mid-table following the first race of the season in Denmark.

Hats off to Inverclyde Council and Riverside Inverclyde for hosting the event for the second year in a row, and giving Greenock’s picturesque waterfront a global audience.

A weekend of non-stop speed and activities will also feature jet ski freestyle and hydroflight displays, plus a British Water Ski exhibition race.

It’s a mouthwatering tourism bonanza that could have lasting spin-off benefits by encouraging TV viewers to jump on a cruise ship or plane and head for these scenic shores.

Enjoy the extravaganza!