A Southwold company which thrills people by taking them out on the North Sea in a high-speed boat is hoping to make a splash today with the launch of a new venture.

Sail Southwold is branching out by becoming a powerboat training centre – the only one of its kind in the town and surrounding area.

More commonly known as Coastal Voyager, after its 9m rigid inflatable boat that takes out chartered groups and children not in mainstream education from Southwold Harbour, Sail Company will train people to gain level one and two RYA powerboat standards on its new �20,000 XS rigid inflatable called No Worries.

Level one training is an introduction to powerboating, such as handling, safety and launching and recovery, and the level two course is part of the International Certificate of Competence so people can powerboat abroad.

The owner of Sail Southwold, Marcus Gladwell, said he decided to launch his venture as people who had gone out on Coastal Voyager had enjoyed themselves so much they wanted to take up powerboating themselves. Mr Gladwell, who employs two people and is also a Southwold RNLI lifeboatman, said: 'We are all passionate about the sea and we want to share that passion with our customers.'

For information, call 07887 525082.

anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk