The thrills and spills of powerboat racing come to west Wales over the weekend as the Welsh Offshore Circuit Racing Grand Prix is staged in Swansea Bay.

Organised by OCRDA (Offshore Circuit Racing Drivers Association), about 25 teams from across the UK are competing on the course running between Mumbles pier and Oystermouth.

It's great to show all these drivers from across the UK what we have to offer here

Chris Davies, organising team

The boats are standard production ski-type, with 'out of the box' engines.

Twenty laps are run over a two-and-a-half-mile circuit lasting approximately one hour.

Three classes compete at the same time, A class - 2 litre with speeds of up to 80 mph, B class - 1.8 litre up to 67 mph and C class - up to 60 mph.

Chris Davies, one of the race organisers, said Swansea was an ideal location for the event.

She said: "It's great to show all these drivers from across the UK what we have to offer here. It's close,exciting racing near the shore.

"We are looking for more people to get involved.

"You don't have to be a millionaire to take part in this sport."

Teams from across the UK are competing

Swansea-based Mark Kirk, 45, is the only Welsh driver taking part.

He started racing four years ago after watching an event at Loughor.

His boat "Banzai" is competing in the top class.

He said: "It's our first season in this premier class so we are just looking for a good result.

"There's no real advantage to be racing on 'home water' but I suppose I will be trying that bit harder.

"It will be good for the local people to see a different sport."

Spectacular action

Spectators will be able to view all of the race from the shore but the best vantage point will be the pier.

Racing on Saturday started at 1330 BST, with the boats in the water from 1130 BST onwards.

On Sunday, the racing begins at 1500 BST.

The event incoporates heats eight and nine of the National Championship, but also heats three and four of the Nations Cup.