When it comes to hosting major sports events Wales punches well above its weight. When it comes to producing outstanding sportsmen and women it does just the same. And when it comes to marine motorsport the story is equally impressive. Ten leading Welsh powerboat racers and jet ski riders will be in action at Milford Haven this weekend flying the flag for the host country in the P1 SuperStock and AquaX UK Championships.
Pride of place goes to the reigning P1 SuperStock UK and world champions. They are brother and sister pairing Sam and Daisy Coleman, who will have the shortest journey of all the competitors with just a short drive from Saundersfoot. The two teamed up last year in the Pertemps Network boat and finished in the top three at every round to land the UK title in impressive style. In March this year they headed to India to compete in the inaugural Powerboat P1 World Championship where they continued their winning ways.
Another hugely successful Welsh crew is James Norvill and Christian Parsons-Young (fondly known as Charlie) from Newport. The two friends criss-cross the Atlantic to compete in both the UK and USA race series, and in 2014 they achieved the near-impossible by becoming dual champions.
It would be a dream result if the Milford Waterfront boat were to win the P1 Welsh Grand Prix of the Sea with Charles Morris from Cardiff in the cockpit. Charles made his SuperStock debut last year piloting the Visit Wales boat and has been driving superbly this season.
Welsh talent will also be to the fore in the P1 AquaX jet ski series, where riders from Swansea, Newport, Pontyclun and Penygraig will be aiming to delight the crowds this weekend. Garage owner Dave Coe came late to the sport after racing in motocross, rallying, sprints and hill climbs and competes in the 300 class in both the UK series and Euro Tour. Steve Cornstock also has motocross experience and moved into jet ski racing two years ago. Nigel Williams runs a coach company and started his AquaX career in 2013. He returned to the series this year after a break through illness and competes in the 200 class. The Rhondda Valley will be represented by father and son Graham and James Roberts who will be racing against each other in the 300 class.
The weekend will be a mix of high speed sport and family entertainment, with jet ski freestyle displays between races and a selection of West Wales’ finest food, drink and craft retailers showcasing their produce along Mackerel Quay. Spectators in the premium viewing area on the quay will enjoy big screen coverage, music and entertainment, and free transport is being provided for the thousands of visitors expected to head to the town.
