Powerboat Race - Guernsey

Check in at 9.30am for a safety brief, which debated if the race would go ahead today, due to some fairly strong winds. A further brief was then held at 11.30am - where it was given the all clear for the first race of the season.

I have never done rescue diver on a safety boat before, so had to get to know how to get a one of the guys out of the boat in case of an accident - with one boat, quite complicated, as it had a hatch which covered the guys.

The race started at 1.30pm, 13 power boats and about 5 safety boats - 12 laps around Havalet Bay, lasing about 40 minutes.

Pleased to report no accidents, but some 5 boats broke down - probably engine failure. I can see some midnight oil being burnt this evening to try and get them repaired for tomorrow's race.

Given the speed and distance and also, not really happy to take the Canon 600D on a RIB, I did not get an opportunity to get some action pictures. Also, it was fairly difficult to take any good pictures being fully kitted up in my scuba gear - ready to get into the water in case of an accident. Took this picture as the guys were getting their boats ready.

See below for more information about the Guernsey Powerboat Association

Click
here