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The first weekend in September 2005 saw; for the first time in Whitstable water's the powerboat Grand-Prix. Rounds 17 & 18 of the National Offshore Circuit Racing Series Without a Council Cock-up we would not have witnessed this thrilling event, as the Ski Club in town went all out to organise this event at the last minute. Even though there were only fifteen boats at the starting line we were treated to an exciting two events on each day that took place in glorious weather.
There was plenty of excitement to be had as the lead constantly changed throughout the heats. One plonker on a jet-ski crossed the racing course during the second heat on Sunday, but was quickly told the error of his ways by a safety boat. Although the spectators were not exactly crowding the beach, there was an acceptable turn-out for this event. Lets hope the Council screw up next year and we host this event again! Well done to the Waterfront Club & Whitstable Ski Club for making this event possible.
It was just like watching F1 on Sunday, as the boats came within inches of each other as they rounded the turning buoys. With a slight miscalculation two of the racers came upon a gap only large enough for one boat to occupy, the result was that one boat flipped and dispatched its crew in the drink. Thankfully neither was injured.
Whitstable welcomed back the OCR Grand Prix, and the 2nd leg of the 2006 season.
Saturday was a bit overcast, and with the wind coming off the shore, few incidents occurred. The one that did, I happened to miss. On one of the turns boat A10, The Black Pearl added a dent to A29, Racing Green!
Then Sunday turned out bright and sunny, and the wind was from the North West, this gave the day a bit of a boost. Some of the boats put on a great display of how to get all the boat out of the water, A26 in particular was in the wars all weekend, particularly when driver (Steve Allen) attempted to get rid of his navigator (Alison Fairman) by trying to bounce her out of the boat. Luckily her grip was better than Steve thought, and she clung on in there. Unfortunately this caused A26 to retire from the race
With only eight boats here for this years event. It was a little quieter on the water than last year. Never the less. I for one am thankful that the OCR people and Canterbury Council decided to return to Whitstable and offer up a good two days of action on the water.
Lets hope we see them again next year.
Oh, and for those that came up to me and warned me about burning my head in the sun on Sunday. You were right, I should have worn a hat of some kind, it burnt, blistered and bloody hurt for day's after. So thanks for your advice, but I'll never learn!
