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All roads lead to South Wales this weekend for the UK’s top jet ski racers

John Moore on 2nd July 2018

P1’s extensive, international race programme got underway in April when the AquaX UK series headed to Torquay, and this weekend (July 7-8) the South Wales seaside resort of Porthcawl will host the second round of action. More than 30 jet ski riders will continue their battle for national honours at Newton Bay, one of the town’s seven beaches some 19 miles southeast of Swansea.

Situated on a low headland overlooking the Bristol Channel, Porthcawl developed as a coal port during the 19th century but is now known for its sandy, beaches, golf courses, harbour and love of watersports and marine motorsports. The country’s leading professional and amateur jet ski riders will be on show at the free-to-watch event that will serve up two days of fast and furious sprint and endurance racing.

Lisa Barsby, Global Head of P1 AquaX and herself a former world champion jet skier, said:

This will be our first visit to Porthcawl and there couldn’t be a better time than now with the Year of the Sea being celebrated across Wales. South Wales is a real hotbed of jet ski-ing, with the Porthcawl powerboat and ski club boasting nearly 100 members, and spectators will have a number of AquaX racers to cheer on this weekend.

Founded in the 1960s, the club operates from its own club house with a private slipway and there is a long history of racing in the natural, sheltered harbour of Newton Bay.

Welsh riders who are expected to catch the eye this weekend include Nigel Williams, Graham and James Roberts, Wayne Lucas and Mike Haines. However, the reigning UK Enduro Pro champion is an Englishman, Joe Harvey from the West Midlands, who is battling to regain full fitness and retain his title after breaking his leg in the final round last season. Joe races for the Experience Kissimmee Team and his fellow team members, professional racer Harry Robinson and amateur sprint rider Ryan Willows, will also be in action.

Porthcawl Harbour Master, Sean Warrington is looking forward to welcoming the P1 AquaX racing to Newton Bay for the first time:

This prestigious event will attract spectators from all over South Wales for everyone to enjoy.
Watching the power of the jet skis and skill of the racers with the coastline around Porthcawl as the backdrop be special.

Visitors will see that Porthcawl is undergoing significant development following the opening of a new marina, the harbour area being transformed and eye-catching, new, terraced sea defences.

Councillor Richard Young, Cabinet Member for Communities, is delighted that the town will be hosting the AquaX championships:

We are looking forward to welcoming visitors and hope they will enjoy their stay and discover what the area has to offer.

This will include a wide range of coastal adventures, award-winning beaches and dramatic dunescapes, nature reserves, castles and more than 10 miles of coastal path.

Racing in Newton Bay, on the eastern edge of Porthcawl, will start at 11am on Saturday and midday on Sunday (July 7 & 8).

The final round of the 2018 AquaX race series will see the riders head across the Bristol Channel to Minehead in early August.

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