Powerboat racing has returned to Oulton Broad – and a call has gone out to supporters and businesses to back a historic club in the season ahead.
After the Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club (LOBMBC) held their opening race meeting last night, an action packed afternoon of racing will hit the water this Bank Holiday Monday, May 1.
The first bank holiday club event starts from noon on Monday, with organisers hoping for good weather to welcome those new to the sport as an East of England OSY challenge and support races take centre stage in Nicholas Everitt Park.
The club will host the national championships next month from noon on Monday, May 29, and with 20 race meetings planned on Oulton Broad – between last night and the end of the season's Battle of Britain event on September 3 – there is a packed programme ahead.
LOBMBC spokesman, John Soanes, said: 'It is the start of a new season and the club is looking forward to 2017. We have got a good number of new drivers moving into the hydroplanes fleet, where is a bit of a resurgence.'
With regular club racing throughout the summer, the Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Powerboat Club is one of the most historic clubs in the UK, having been founded in 1933. Recently the 2016 RYA Powerboat Awards honoured LOBMBC with the Powerboat Club of the Year trophy.
Mr Soanes said: 'This is a very prestigious award, which was given in recognition of the exceptional contribution that our club, management committee, competitors, volunteers and members give to the sport of powerboat racing. We have been trying to promote and encourage youngsters into the sport, and that continues this year. There are junior boats that the club will give full training to any youngster in.
'We are also appealing to supporters, old and new, to support the club. The club also hopes that more businesses may get involved in sponsoring a weekly meeting, as there's a great viewing area at the clubhouse and it is a great staff night out offering networking possibilities.'
The next race meeting, after this Monday at Oulton Broa, is on Thursday, May 11 at 6pm.
For more details on sponsorship opportunities call Mr Soanes on 01502 730184.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here