This weekend will see the Worlds largest Offshore Powerboat Championship head to Bournemouth's sandy beaches for the inaugural round of the 2009 Zapcat National Championship, The Tohatsu Bournemouth Grand Prix.

Around 30 Zapcat Teams from all over the country will head to Bournemouth's beautiful West beach as the season battle commences. Bournemouth is the perfect location for the feisty inflatable catamarans providing unpredictable and constantly changing conditions; as well as a perfect viewing for fans and spectators as all the action happens right next to the beach and pier giving a full view of the entire course.

The 2009 Zapcat Championship will see teams compete in 14 rounds of the National Championship over seven weekends during the summer. Zapcat teams will be battling it out at each event for the top spot in 2 divisions each round in addition to the Grand Prix Winners trophy (a combination of both days' results) and the all important National Championship points. At  the end of the 2008 season the championship went down to the wire with just 15 points split the top two boats in the Championship campaign so getting off to a good start will be vital to those aiming to be at the top of the championship  at the end of the year.

2008 Champion Pilot and new partner in ZCR Ltd Mick Pritchard comments "14 rounds is a long championship and 100 points for a win is a lot but when just 15 points separates you and the next boat from winning the title at the end of the season every point counts." "2009 looks set to be the closest and hardest fought season to date, we've changed the point structure between the 2 divisions giving the teams in Div 2 a chance to progress higher up the table quicker and make the whole championship a lot close. It could even mean if a rookie team was good enough they could win the title."

One team hoping to get off to a flying start is Zapcat 14, Contact Wait Out. This Poole based team, consists of two brothers both serving in the Royal Marines, Sergeant Paul and Colour Sergeant Ed (Mark) Holt.  Mark Holt who recently celebrated his 40 birthday comments on why they love racing Zapcats "We're certainly not the youngest or prettiest team in the championship, but age isn't a factor when you race Zapcats, it's about determination, skill and team work.  This will be our third season racing and we'd love to get off to a great start with a win at our home event Bournemouth. This is one tough team that's coming out fighting hard this year".
 
He continued "There are 4 teams of Royal Marines competing in 2009 and we will be entering 2 Go Commando teams into the team championship. The adrenaline rush you get from racing is awesome and there's a lot of team spirit and camaraderie amongst the racers as well."

What ever the weather Zapcat racing will get off to a fantastic start at Bournemouth; Spectators and fans can catch all the action up close as the teams begin practising at 11am on both days with the first race at noon.

Heat by Heat results will be published on the Zapcat Racing Website throughout the weekend