The opportunity to try out powerboating in Royal Victoria Dock was too good for reporter Janine Rasiah to pass up - but what was it like?
She recounts her experience at today’s launch of the P1 Powerboat season ahead of racing action in the docks all day tomorrow.
Life jacket on and helmet firmly fastened, I’m all ready for a high-octane experience whizzing around the Royal Victoria Dock.
Yet when I reach down to buckle up - only to realise that there are no seatbelts - my resolve momentarily starts to falter.
But it’s too late as our driver, John Wilson, has already carefully started accelerating to the start line.
As we build up speed there is little time to take in the surroundings and before we know it we’re topping 60mph which feels much faster in the open air with the wind buffeting against us than in my trusty Renault.
On the turns, we are tilted almost to the water’s edge and the waves cause us to jump on and off the surface.
All too soon our two laps are over and we return to firm land rather sad that the experience is finished - although pleased to have emerged dry.
For more information about tomorrow’s racing, visit p1superstock.co.uk/
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