We’re half way through the Year of the Sea, the whole of Liverpool has been celebrating the city’s maritime history and the Liverpool Powerboat Grand Prix on 20th and 21st August is set to be one of the biggest events the Mersey has seen all year! The event has been organised as part of 20/08 Day when people across Liverpool will be celebrating the city’s success and the 2008 Capital of Culture by taking part in a long list of events and offers all over the city. The Honda Formula 4-Stroke race is hailed as the UK’s premier powerboat racing championship and will be televised nationwide on both terrestrial and digital TV.
 | | Racing in the 225 hp class. |
The Grand Prix now in its seventh year will be coming to Liverpool for the first time in 2005, and was specially chosen alongside five other spectacular and picturesque locations. The first leg of the race began at Largs in Scotland on 28 May, moving to the Isle of Man on the 25 June, Plymouth on the 16 July, Liverpool on 20th August and finishing up in Guernsey on the 10th September. Martin Sanders, General Manager of Power Equipment, Honda (UK) said: "The Formula 4-Stroke Association has chosen Liverpool not only for the aesthetics of the location but also because of its strong maritime heritage. We are pleased to help celebrate the city's standing as European Capital of Culture 2008.” He added that "It's our seventh season and is shaping up to be its most successful yet. There is an air of heightened anticipation amongst organisers and competitors as more boats and more classes are set to race for the chequered flag." Thousands of people are expected to flock to the Albert Dock to watch the incredible powerboats speeding across the River Mersey, as well as the additional entertainment laid on for viewers in between races. Organisers also say this year’s event is also set to be the biggest yet with more boats than ever before in the 150hp and 225hp championships, as well as the inception of the new ’Enduro class’ featuring three prototype Cougar Enduro boats which who’s designs were unveiled at the Schroders London International Boat Show. Details The first race will take place on Saturday 20th at 11.30am when 14 150hp boats will race round seven of this year's series. The 225hp race will take place at 1pm, when 13 power boats will speed across the water at up to 70mph. On Sunday 21stĚý the 150hp will race in round eight at 12 midday with round eight of the 225hp series will start at 1pm. Prize giving and the customary champagne spraying will take place for both classes on Sunday at 3.30pm on a special floating podium situated in Salthouse Dock. Visitors can view a display of products onshore all weekend and on Sunday the 'Honda Power of Dreams' stunt plane will perform aerobatics and cutting edge air tumbling manoeuvres for the spectators. | 
