The Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Series will be returning to DouglasBay on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September when the town will play host to the final rounds of the 2008 Powerboat Championship.
The series made such an impact when it made its debut on the island back in 2005 that the Department of Tourism & Leisure have proudly welcomed the Worlds largest off-shore powerboat series back ever since.
Hon Martyn Quayle MHK Minister for Tourism and Leisure said, “I am pleased to welcome the Honda Powerboats back to the Isle of Man for their fourth year, particularly as the Island is hosting the finals of the series, which will add to the excitement of what is already a thrilling event.”
With racing at the core of the islands history power boating racing has always made a great complement to the islands portfolio of high-profile sporting events and also strengthens Hondas own links with the venue which is home of the famous TT motorcycle race.
This year the race course has been moved further east because of the tide but spectators can still get the best view of the speed and action from Douglas Promenade which offers some of the best vantage points.
For those who want to be in the thick of the action as the fleet race around the Tower of Refuge and nine turn buoys when they put on their amazing on water battle in a few weeks time there is no better spot.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is once again sponsoring the event by assisting in bringing the fleet of up to 40 powerboats to the Island. Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Series.
It is a fantastic event, which has proved incredibly exciting in recent years and always attracts large crowds to Douglas Promenade. Representing the Island as always will be Stephen and Michael Baggs who are competing in the 225hp Vortigern boat.
The last race held in Liverpool saw the team take a turn for the worst when they capsized throwing both crew members into the Mersey. The pair were left un hurt however their race boat was submerged with a pricey repair bill to its name.
“We are looking forward to our 3rd year of racing in the Isle of Man in front of our home crowd and despite turning the boat over in Liverpool we are hoping for a good finish this weekend”, said Team Manager, Alice Baggs.
In addition to the weekends racing the series have been approached by the BBC who took an interest in filming with the powerboats for a second time since their involvement back in 2004.
Childrens television programme Blue Peter celebrate their 50th birthday on 16th October and have decided to send the entire crew to the Honda event along with three Blue Peter presenters whos names cannot be mentioned until the official announcement in a few weeks time.
Blue Peter will be throwing their presenters in at the deep end as they go head to head in their very own powerboat race which will take place on Saturday 13th on DouglasBay.
Steve Curtis, Honda Formula 4-Strokes Director and eight times World Class 1 Powerboat Champion will be putting them through their paces and showing them just how its really done.
“It has been a fantastic year for racing and the teams have fought hard to gain their current positions. This last race is crucial and will determine the overall winners of the 2008 season. I am looking forward to the Podium on the Sunday when we will be making a very big announcement along with our sponsors Honda”, said Steve.
The new Formula 4-Stroke website has all the action at www.f4sa.com