Saturday, 11th October 2008

Wave gliding on powerboats

Photos: Jean Marc Chapelle.

Powerboat racing is picking up momentum in Malta as an exhilarating sport in which boat drivers battle with the dynamic conditions of the sea at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

The Malta Powerboat Association will be holding its final race for the 2008 season on October 19 from noon, in what promises to be a spectacular showcase of speed and control, best seen from the Buġibba seafront.

The race will feature five different classes of boats, ranging from 16 to 35 feet, all built locally and driven by Maltese racers.

The association, boasting over 200 members, was set up in January after having held the first national powerboat race in September last year.

Membership costs €10 a year and can be obtained by contacting the MPA through their website www.mpa.com.mt or on 9982 9292.

Anyone interested in taking part in the races can also contact the association.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 8, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Tony MARSH (on 11/10/08)

More noise pollution, more CO2 emissions, more risks for people at sea or in the sea, not to mention marine species, more accidents, more space for people being a bloody nuissance, less space for people wanting to indulge in peaceful activities like snorkeling, fishing, swimming, or just enjoying peace and quiet by the sea, less clean air,....... Do we never learn? And your article encourageing this pastime. As if we didn't have enough noise on land....

Franco Farrugia (on 11/10/08)

Powerboating - a scourge on the Maltese natural habitat of millions of organisms, the sea. Not only that but imagine the fuel being wasted on such a shallow sport, considering the finite character of oil on this planet, and there is so many important things to do with it.

When shall we learn?

A pro-active environmental Government would absolutely discourage such events.