‘Grand Prix of the Sea’ heads to Dorset this September

A fleet of 11 powerboats and more than 30 jet ski riders will provide a feast of high-speed action close to the pier.

This will be P1’s third visit to the town and the impressive growth and quality of Bournemouth’s free events programme plays a major role in the promoter selecting it as a host venue for its national championships. Another key factor in the decision is the superb amphitheatre setting for spectators to watch the racing from the cliff top, beach and pier.

Robert Wicks, chief operating officer of Powerboat P1, explains: “Our event is a festival of skill and power, with a headline double-bill of close-to-shore powerboat and jet ski racing plus on-the-water displays and a parade of around 40 smart cars. It’s all about family entertainment and it’s free to watch.”

P1’s partnership with the Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID) is an important element in its wider event strategy and the race weekend introduces a new range of visitors to all that Bournemouth has to offer and helps to boost trade and increase footfall in the town. The growth of P1, the world’s leading marine motorsport brand, involves delivering high-calibre events that generate significant levels of inward economic investment for host venues, together with the commercial platform created for sponsors and partners.

Paul Clarke, general manager of the West Cliff Hallmark Hotel and chairman of the Coastal BID said: “We are proud to host and support the event in Bournemouth for the third year. It provides a superb showcase for the town through extensive media exposure, provides free entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages, and extends the tourism season into September to create local economic impact.”
The Bournemouth race action will be shown on Sky Sports and Motors TV and on leading sports channels in more than 100 countries. Over 30,000 spectators are expected to watch the two days of racing.