Cowes prepares for an action-packed weekend of poweboat racing

Combining action with glamour on and off the water, the 2006 Cowes Powerboat Festival takes place from Fri 25 to Sun 27 August and promises to be one of the most action-packed weekends of exhilarating powerboat racing ever to be seen in the UK. With an international line up of 100 powerboats, a crowd of over 80,000 are expected to watch the close inshore racing.

Red Funnel, the Southampton - Cowes ferry operator, is offering reduced family day return tickets to the festival on its Red Jet Hi-Speed service between Southampton and West Cowes for just £19.50 for a family of 4. Tickets are available on the day of travel and the party must include at least one child (5-15yrs).

The centrepiece of the 3 day Festival will be the U.I.M. Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix, with its international line up of teams, pilots and up to 20 breathtaking racing machines. There are two rounds of this high-speed World Championship event, a Rally Race on Saturday and Endurance event on Sunday.

Also exciting the spectators on the Cowes shoreline will be the V24, Honda Formula 4 Stroke and Class 3, 2 Litre Championship races as well as the Thundercats who return to Cowes with their thrilling twists and turns, wave-jumping and tensely fought races.

The famous Isle of Wight Powerboat Challenge, a round-the-island race takes place on Sat 26 August with a new speed record up for grabs!

The race courses are spectator-friendly, and free public viewing is accessible along the Cowes Parade, the Green and by Egypt Point. Between races visitors can enjoy the fun atmosphere on Cowes Parade, featuring the P1 open-air bar, Exhibition Zone and official prize-giving Podium which is sure to host champagne spraying and celebrations over the weekend!

There are currently no special offers available.