Honda Powerboat Races

Events Dates: Saturday 13 September 2008 - Sunday 14 September 2008 Description: Honda Powerboat Championships. See the World's Largest Offshore Power Boat Racing Series. Honda Formula 4-Stroke. Douglas Bay. 150hp from 1200, 225hp from 1300 both days. Douglas Bay, Douglas. Event information supplied by the Isle of Man Department of Tourism & Leisure (01624 686766)

History

Honda Formula 4 stroke power boat series first appeared on the Isle of Man in 2005. They returned in 2006 and since then the event has been set in the Manx Calendar. The third and fourth rounds run in Douglas Bay which offers the challenge of the ever changing conditions of the Irish Sea. The waters are unpredictable and the racing is intense for the 150hp and 225hp powerboats.

Location

Located on the sea front at the end of town most near the centre of the bay. Racing can be seen from most points along the Douglas Promenade, though the boat viewing area is near the shopping end of town.

By Vehicle:
Travel to Douglas and then along the sea front to Harris Promenade and park along the sea front.

By Bus:
Douglas can be reached using most main bus routes: 1's, 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, and 6's, as well as many other minor routes. On the island most routes leads to/from Douglas. A promenade stop is closest, but access from the bus station is not too much farther.

By Railway:
By Electric Railway, take the trams heading to Douglas. Then walk along the Promenade to a desired viewing area.
(Note: It is a long walk, there are always buses and in the summer a regular service by the Horse Drawn Trams.)

By Steam Railway, take the train to Douglas and then walk along the Quay to the Promenade at the end of it. Then walk along the promenade.

Watching the Honda Powerboat Races

Viewing is all along the Douglas Promenade and there is no fee to spectate. Often free programs are handed out at the shopping end of town, where the boats are parked. Racing is weather dependent as the waters can be very rough at times. Racing is held in the afternoon on two days over a weekend.