2008 Round Britain Powerboat Race Cruises into Inverness
25 June 2008
The Caledonian Canal welcomed around 40 powerboats yesterday (Wednesday, 25 June 2008) as the 2008 Round Britain Powerboat Race reached its half-way point when some of the boats entered the canal at Corpach Sea Lock in Fort William while others took to the roads to reach Muirtown basin where they were craned into the canal.
The 210 nautical mile circuit around the British Isles began on Saturday 21 June at Portsmouth. The boats have been travelling around the country taking in the sights of the Scottish Highlands for the past few days, continuing back to Portsmouth where they are due to arrive on Tuesday 31 June.
Russell Thomson, Highlands canal manager said: "We are really glad to be part of this spectacular event. It is another example of how Scotland 's canals can accommodate all sorts of exciting activities. The atmosphere has been brilliant and I think everyone has enjoyed the buzz. We wish all the boat racers good luck for the rest of the race and we hope they will return to the Caledonian Canal some time in the future."
The power racers have taken in the beautiful sights of the 60-mile long canal, passing through Neptune's Staircase and Invergarry Castle along the way. The action really got going as the boats cruised towards Fort Augustus to reach Loch Ness as they raced towards the final stages of the Highland leg. The boats then took a well deserved pit stop, spending the day at Muirtown Basin before they set off again tomorrow (Friday) morning.
A number of spectators turned out to watch the amazing sight. Onlookers cheered the boats on; Hannes Bohinc and the Wettpunkt team crossed the finishing line first at Oban but other teams are still ahead when you look at overall time, including the Greek boat Blue FPT. The race has got another six days to go so anything can happen as the boats head back to Portsmouth .
Ends 26 June 2008
For further information please contact:
Stacey Bell or Paula Mc Nulty
Weber Shandwick
T: 0131 556 6649
M: 07824 990 614 / 07770 886 924
E: sbell@webershandwick.com / pmcnulty@webershandwick.com
Notes to Editors
British Waterways Scotland
Responsibility for inland waterways in Scotland is a devolved matter, with funding for British Waterways' Scottish activities coming from the Scottish Government. In Scotland the 137-mile (220km) canal network includes the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals.
British Waterways Scotland works in partnerships with local authorities, voluntary groups, private companies and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run.
The organisation balances the conservation of the country's heritage and environment with developing commercial opportunities to generate income to reinvest in the waterways for further sustainable regeneration.
Millions of people enjoy Scotland 's inland waters for recreational activity, sports and leisure. Safety is British Waterway's top priority. Water safety advice and information on the safe use of Scotland 's canals - both on water and waterside - can be found on our websites.