Youghal In Line For Mega-Rich Boat Racing Bonanza
By Christy Parker
A powerboat racing festival scheduled to take place in Youghal over the weekend June 20th-22nd is being seen as a “systems test” for a multimillion-euro boat racing extravaganza in the town from 2009. Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism has revealed that “representatives of a very large international marine based sporting franchise” are considering hosting a European leg of the P1 World Power Boat Championship in the seaside resort.
Failte Ireland and Government agencies are understood to be in negotiation with Medaza, the Cork-based franchise holders for the race’s Northern European circuit. Representatives of the company - whose team has been involved in some of Ireland’s and the World’s biggest events, have already visited the town. They are said to have been impressed with their findings in terms of local enthusiasm and co-operation as well as the infrastructure and setting. Consequently, says the Chamber, the town is “near the top of a very short list.”
The P1 series is considered the marine equivalent of Formula 1 motor racing and is fast evolving a similar mega-rich, glamorous profile. From its origins in the Mediterranean, the series is now growing to become a true global championship, with ‘grand prix’ circuits on every continent. The boats are highly powered racing machines of up to 2000 horsepower and offer the most spectacular demonstrations of acceleration, turning and speed viewable on earth.
P1 racing would herald by far the biggest tourism and business boost in the history of east Cork. The area would be exposed to a global audience of billions, as well as attracting an estimated 150,000 spectators per day. It is thought that up to 500 yachts would avail of the harbour and the extended financial benefits to the region across a wide sector would be gigantic. The event would establish Youghal as a major marine and water leisure centre and totally redefine its status on the tourist map.
Meanwhile, next June a Thundercat series of boat racing will take place in the Claycastle region. These lightweight inflatable boats, propelled by 50hp outboard engines, race close to the shore at up to 60mph. Using two-person crews they designed to negotiate the most arduous weather conditions on earth, and offer an immensely dramatic spectacle.
Youghal Chamber say the event intend to anchor (pun intended) a wider weekend festival, with music, fireworks, street entertainment and food fair as part of a varied on and off water entertainment menu. Many thousands of visitors are expected to view the racing alone.
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