In direct contrast to this summer of social distancing and lockdown, the summer of 2016 saw crowds of over 30,000 people gather on Greenock's Esplanade for a grandstand view of high speed boat racing on the Clyde.
The powerboat weekend was a great success and put Inverclyde on the marine sporting calendar over a two-year period. The races provided many hot picture opportunities and what follows are five favourite images that featured in a Telegraph Powerstock P1 picture spread, published immediately after the programme of events.
Pic1:
A eye-popping flyboard demonstration took place above the water and only feet away from the promenade wall, from where crowds got a grandstand view of the action. Taken from over a quarter of a mile away, this shot shows the expert operator of the water jet powered device perform a loop-the-loop before astonished crowds.
Pic2:
As racing powerboats took a sharp turn to avoid the rocky shore of the Esplanade, the aptly numbered boat 13 took a spill that thrilled onlookers from above. Drivers of the competing craft signaled the unlucky crew had escaped without injury and would live to race another day.
Pic3:
Inverclyde was well represented at the P1 races, as this picture, taken as the home boat Spirit of Inverclyde surged into the lead past Experience Kissimmee shows. The dueling power boats opened the throttle after rounding a buoy, taking them on a speedy approach to the Esplanade sea wall and a cheering crowd. The racing was based on identical production boats vying for position on a league table of events held in rivers and harbours across the world.
Pic4:
Days before racing commenced the media got a chance to experience the thrill of skimming over the waves in a P1 Panther at speeds in excess of 70mph. This shot was taken as Spirit of Inverclyde dashed back to its base at James watt Dock Marina in almost perfect conditions.
Pic5: Tented structures lined the prom in scenes reminiscent of a Grand Prix race as jet skis looking for glory battled with gladiatorial ferocity. The Esplanade made the perfect viewpoint from which spectators enjoyed all the thrills of the day while browsing stalls and enjoying the summer weather.
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