On Saturday the first Galway P750 event will take place off Salthill Prom and an exciting and memorable day of racing is expected.
While P750 racing is a well established sport worldwide and growing in popularity in Ireland, it is the first event of its kind to be ever held in Galway.
The P750s were originally designed as surf rescue boats in the mid seventies and the basic design has remained much the same - a four metre twin-hulled inflatable boat powered by a 50hp engine. Because the boats are so light (boat and engine weigh approximately 150kg ) acceleration can be compared to that of a high-powered sports car.
The boats are crewed by two people; a driver and a co-pilot. While all throttle and steering is controlled by the driver, it is the job of the co-pilot to use his weight to ensure that the boats do not capsize while racing around a course.
For the Galway P750 race there is a considerable local interest in events as the majority of the entries are Irish, with three crews comprising Galway natives Niall O’ Flaherty and Lorna Shanley, Mark Francis and Andrew Fahy and Colin Snow and Conor Mullaly, all of whom will be representing their local club, the Galway Powerboat & Watersports Club.
Tonight entertainment will be provided by Without George who will take to the stage followed by the Timbertramps, and tomorrow night the impressive acts continue with The Bull Monroe and 21 Demands
Racing on Saturday will be between 1pm and 5pm opposite Salthill Park. After each race, the boats will land on the beach where the public can view the boats, talk with the crews, and take pictures.
In addition, the Around Ireland competitors will return to Galway on Saturday afternoon and the official prizegiving for all racing will be on the stage at the Docks from 5pm. Live music will commence from 6pm with a DJ, Mad Uncle Harry, and the popular Joe Fury & the Hayride.
