HIGH octane thrills and spills are guaranteed as the finals of the P1 powerboat racing championships come to Bournemouth this September.

Some 30,000 people are expected to flock to the town's beaches to witness the high speed action on the water between the piers on September 3 and 4.

Some 45 jet skis and a fleet of eleven powerboats will take on the course full pelt, testing their skills, stamina and their nerve as they race at speeds of up to 70mph, often flying several feet into the air as they hit the surf.

The £55k 'one design' 28ft powerboats are identical and all powered by the same 250 horse power engines, which means only the skills of the driver and navigator separates the competitors.

And as such there is all to play for as the teams come to Bournemouth.

"The only difference is the human factor," explained Powerboat P1 chief operating officer Robert Wicks. "It inevitably goes down to the last race on the last day so it's always good and exciting."

The two mile course close to Bournemouth Pier will offer plenty of good vantage points, especially from the pier, but from the beach and cliff top as well. Spectators can expect to see a host of jet ski races as well as choreographed displays, and four powerboat races - two each afternoon.

The boats will race for half an hour at a time - scoring points for their finishing positions to see who claims the top spot on the podium and wins a share of the £5,000 prize pot.

It is the third time P1 has come to Bournemouth and the action is set to be featured on Sky Sports and Motors TV and screened on sports channels in more than 100 countries.

Likening the jet ski racing to motorcross and the powerboats with rally driving, Robert Wicks added: "Really the best description I can offer is it's something like being inside a washing machine, with your crash helmet on, all the boats around you, all the spray, navigating your way around the course. No two laps are the same - the water is changing all the time."

Robert said his aim was to make the sport accessible, and key to that was keeping the course as close to the beach as possible, offering amazing views.

"It really is great to watch," he added. "There will be lots of fun for all the family and entertainment both on and on the water."

And as well as the racing action there will be displays, a parade of around 40 smart cars and a mascot race, as man-sized cuddly mascots are pitted against each other. Fans will also be able to meet the racers at the P1 Race Centre at the Pier Approach.

And don't forget to look out for local lads Lee Norvall from Bransgore and brother Glynn from Mudeford, who are racing and raising money for armed forces charity Help for Heroes.

For more information see www.powerboatp1.com.