Unmistakable roar of Zapcats back at Cornish beach

The roar of the high-speed power-boats flying across the waves has become a familiar annual site on a Cornish beach. And this year sees the 10th anniversary of the National Zapcat Championships at Newquay's Fistral Beach.

The exciting penultimate event in the series began yesterday and is due to finish today. Twenty boats were poised to thrash it out in the surf at speeds of up to 75mph.

Often described as motorcross on water, Zapcat racing is a visual feast for spectators of all ages with outstanding displays of high-speed racing, huge breathtaking 'airs' and technical manoeuvres.

Nick Webb, event manager, said: "The Zapcat Racing Championships are a world class event and attract a great deal of attention due to the exhilarating show the racing teams put on."

Eve Wooldridge, Newquay Business Improvement District manager, added: "Zapcat racing is a perfect event for Newquay and Fistral Beach, so we're really excited to see what this year's event brings."