Thousands of fans from Gothenburg packed into Frihamnen's FanZone area as the weekend of racing in the Scandinavian Grand Prix of the Sea edges closer.

Locals from across the city and beyond queued for the premier vantage points the city has to offer such as the Oscar II Fort and the Stena Line ferry areas.

Gothenburg resident Hakan Thulin said: "It's the first time I have been to a Powerboat P1 race and I am really looking forward to it. I will be on the ferry though I admit I don't know who I will be supporting.

"I have been to one offshore race before in Port Elizabeth in South Africa but I was so curious when I read about the event that I just had to come!"

Fellow Powerboat P1 fan Bertiel Schroder: "This is my first time. I am looking forward to seeing the boats run as fast as they can! I have brought my family with me today for this event - including my daughter and grandchildren."

Tommy Nylundh, at the event with friend Robin Skojlumd (pictured), cannot wait for his first experience of Powerboat P1. "I cannot wait to see the power of the boat and see the enormous horse power of the boats. I won some tickets through the local radio station and will be watching the race from the Oscar II Fort.

"I had never heard of Powerboat P1 before but I hope the local team [Goldfish] does well."

Jonas Malmstrom, from the city, commented: "This is my first experience of powerboat racing and I cannot wait. The weather is wonderful. I have come with my son and father-in-law. I heard about Powerboat P1 through Facebook and then my father-in-law saw that we could purchase tickets for the event.

"I won't be supporting anyone in particular - I just want to see come good racing!"

If the preceeding races in 2009 are anything to go buy, it is unlikely Mr Malmstrom is unlikely to go home disappointed.