The first round of the Patron Lukoil Powerboat Championship is being held this weekend at St Paul’s Bay.
Organised by the Malta Powerboat Association (MPA) in conjunction with the Malta Chaudron Powerboats Association (MCPA), the championship is aimed at raising the standard of powerboat racing locally through high-level competition.
Seventeen teams have registered to take part in the competition which sets off this morning at 11.15 with the practice sessions. The five-lap race will be on a four-mile course laid out diagonally to the coast while the race village has been set up at Dawret il-Gżejjer.
There will be races from different classes for boats ranging from 20 to 25 feet and equipped with a single outboard engine (200 to 300 horse power).
With a minimum overall boat weight and equal horsepower in every class, team driving ability will make all the difference as to who takes the honours on the day.
The first competitive races get underway today at 2.40 pm.
The championship is being held with the assistance of Patron, Lukoil, Handson Systems, St Paul’s Bay Local Council, RYA, Casablanca, Transport Malta and DDE Attard.