Date Added: 2009-03-26

The Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat race series will open its’ 2009 race season this year at Pwllheli, North West Wales on the weekend of the 9th & 10th May thanks to a couple of local powerboat enthusiasts who brought the event back after a six year absence.

The new rookie team from Wales consisting of Driver Chris Smith and Navigator Andy Musgrave will be competing in the 2009 Championship in their 150hp powerboat boat named My Daydream. The pair who are responsible for the return of the series to Pwllheli have been working hard with F4SA event organisers to bring the amazing on water event back.

“I had followed the F4SA on TV for quite a few years and watched the race at Pwllheli back in 2003 when they last came here. As somebody new to the area and the industry I decided to try and organise the series to come back here for the spectacle of the event and to generate some interest in my fledgling company but I didn’t really have the contacts or knowledge to get it all put in place.”

“I met Chris through a mutual friend and just mentioned it in passing one night over dinner. He took the idea and ran with it and here we are 5 months later! It all culminated in the purchase of one of the boats and setting up a team. We’re making our debut on home soil so will have plenty of time to practise! Both Chris and I are very competitive and we’re definitely “in it to win it” so watch this space!” said Andy Musgrave who instigated the series return.

“When I met Andy from Rock Powerboats he told me he really wanted to get the event back to the town, so I decided to make a few phone calls to see what I could do. I ended up in the Isle of Man in September last year to see the final of the 2008 Championship and made friends with the organisers. It all developed from there really. The only thing I will say is we don’t like losing and won’t be coming last, but if we do go off course you might be able to find us at our local the Ty Coch in Nefyn”, said Chris Smith.

The pair will be welcomed by large crowds of local support and as the only Welsh team in the series, they are proud to be representing their home ground. The event is free to the public and promises to make the weekend an enjoyable adrenaline packed two days.

The series which boasts the title of ‘The largest off-shore powerboat race series in the World’ will bring teams of powerboats from the 150hp and 225hp classes to put on a spectacular on water display for the first Grand Prix event which will take place a short distance away from the harbour entrance. The beach frontage at Marian y De will provide spectacular vantage points where spectators can view the excitement of the race as boats navigate the course close inshore.

The impressive marina at Pwllheli is now one of the best in Wales, with 24 hour access for most vessels and all the services boaters need. The marina berths over 400 boats and there is space for visitors to moor up overnight. Additional moorings are also available in the Outer Harbour. The Blue Flag and Five Anchor Award marina together with the services provided in the Outer Harbour has brought many more boaters to Pwllheli and helped other aspects of tourism in the area.

“Gwynedd Council is delighted that the Honda F4SA event is returning to Gwynedd after a long absence and we are pleased that the opening race of what will undoubtedly become a very exiting series is being held in Pwllheli. We are looking forward to welcoming the sponsors, the teams and their supporters to Gwynedd and we are confident that the local community will also be looking forward to this exciting event.”

“The facilities available for mariners in Gwynedd, and especially at Pwllheli are exceptional. We hope that those visiting Gwynedd for the first time will return to enjoy the facilities, spectacular scenery and warm hospitality provided by the community and local businesses”, said a spokesperson from the local Council.