14th September 2007
Zapcats rev up for first of two weekends of surf powerboat racing at the Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay.
South West competitors will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage as the world’s largest one-design powerboat championship reaches its climax in Cornwall.
The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay, will host the first of two weekends of racing on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September, in the deciding rounds of the Zapcat National Championships.
The powerful inflatable catamarans will be racing through the surf at up to 50 mph. And, as the course is very close to the shore, spectators can get up close to the action – especially close if the conditions permit the racers get off the mark from a standing start in the shallows on the beach.
“Watergate Bay has established itself over the last few years as the spiritual home of Zapcat surf racing,” said Event Director Ali Ward of Zapcat Racing. “As a venue Watergate Bay is quite unique; spectators have every possible vantage point to take in the high-flying antics of Zapcat surf racing, while for the competitors the conditions are by far the most challenging of any of the venues we race at.”
The South West is strongly represented, with crews from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset taking part in the event which is creating increasing interest nationally. Teams from as far afield as Aberdeenshire and Kent will travel to Watergate Bay to take part.
Somerset crew “Potential”, comprising Dave Padget and Tony Cooper, are currently in second place on the overall rankings. They will be looking to overtake leaders “Pegasus Vortex Racing” over the final four rounds of the race series at Watergate Bay.
As well as being critical in deciding the Zapcat National Champions, the Watergate Bay events will also form a stand-alone King of the Surf Tournament - a highly contested title which is set to attract specialist crews who race exclusively in surf conditions.
Practice sessions get underway on the course at 11am on Saturday and Sunday, with racing proper starting at midday. Each day will consist of 16 heats followed by the grand finals in each of the two divisions.
The safety of participants, spectators and the public is of the highest importance at Watergate Bay. Racing will be confined to the southern end of the beach and a 50 metre buffer zone between the race area and the general public will be strictly enforced.
The patrolled swimming area will also be closed during practice and racing hours (11 am to 5pm) and surfers will still be able to enjoy the peaks towards the north end of the beach.
The concluding two rounds will return to Watergate Bay on Friday 12th & Saturday 13th October 2007.
MEDIA CALL - FRIDAY 21st SEPTEMBER, 1.30pm.
Members of the media are invited to attend a press call at The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay.
• Interview crews competing in the race series.
• Film/photograph the boats in action in a practice session.
• Opportunity for journalists to go for a ride in the boats and experience the thrill of Zapcat Racing.
SOUTH WEST TEAMS
Boat Number: 07
Team Name: Potential
Pilot: David Paget
Location: Burnham on Sea, Somerset
Co-pilot: Tony Cooper
Location: Lympsham, Somerset
Boat Number: 14
Team Name: Go Commando 3
Pilot: Paul Holt
Location: Poole, Dorset
Occupation: Royal Marines
Co-Pilot: Mark Holt
Location: Poole, Dorset
Occupation: Royal Marines
Team Sponsors: Royal Marines
Boat Number: 18
Team Name: Anger Management Racing
Pilot: Nathan Williams
Location: Somerset
Occupation: Builder
Co-pilot: Victoria Harris
Location: Somerset
Occupation: School Teacher
Boat Number: 37
Team Name: Go Commando
Pilot: Richie Lake
Location: Torpoint, Cornwall
Occupation: Royal Marines
Co-pilot: Steve Pidsley
Location: Portsmouth
Occupation: Self Employed - Businessman
Boat Number: 42
Team Name: Go Commando II
Pilot: Orlando Rogers
Location: Torquay, Devon
Occupation: Royal Marines Officer
Co-pilot: Aldely Alderson
Location: Plymouth
Occupation: Royal Marines Officer
Team Sponsors: Royal Marines Commando
ENDS
Notes For Editors
The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay is one of Britain’s leading venues for beach sports. Founded in 1999, the Extreme Academy comprises specialist schools for surfing, kitesurfing, waveski and mountainboarding; technical equipment hire; and the Extreme Store, stocking a wide range of clothing and technical equipment. The Beach Hut, located on the ground floor of The Extreme Academy, is well known as Cornwall’s coolest beach hangout, and a great place to eat.
The Hotel, Watergate Bay After an extensive programme of refurbishment and a merger with the Extreme Academy, The Hotel, Watergate Bay offers an unique contemporary beach lifestyle on the north coast of Cornwall. Still family owned and run, The Hotel features a fresh modern look, AA Rosette dining and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Facilities include 70 bedrooms, two restaurants, two pools and a tennis court. www.watergatebay.co.uk
White Stuff, the fashion lifestyle clothing label, was founded in 1985. They currently have 35 White Stuff shops and over 100 wholesale outlets throughout the UK as well as a website and mail order business. The brand is definitely fashion for lovers not victims – and this is reflected in the relaxed styling, lovely detailing and discreet branding on their quality clothing. White Stuff customers are 25-40 ‘something’s’ who know the fashion trends but have their own sense of style. White Stuff are sponsors of the Extreme Academy, and supply staff uniforms for The Hotel and Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay, and Fifteen Cornwall.
Media Contact - PR on behalf of The Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay
For more information and images contact: Jim Michell at Barefoot Media.
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 895089 Email: jim@barefootmedia.co.uk |
