MORE than 30,000 people are expected to flock to Bournemouth for the final round of the P1 powerboat racing championships in September.

A fleet of eleven powerboats and more than 30 jet ski riders will compete for top honours over the two day event.

The action, set to be featured on Sky Sports and Motors TV, will take place close to Bournemouth Pier. It will also be screened on sports channels in more than 100 countries. This will be P1's third visit to Bournemouth.

Powerboat P1 chief operating officer Robert Wicks said: "Our event is a festival of skill and power, with a headline double bill of close to shore powerboat and jet ski racing plus on the water displays and a parade of around 40 smart cars.

"It is all about family entertainment and it is free to watch."

Mr Wicks explained how Bournemouth is a great venue to watch the racing, as there is a perfect amphitheatre setting for spectators - powerboats can be watched from the beach, the pier and the cliff top.

Meanwhile, West Cliff Hallmark Hotel general manager Paul Clarke, who is also chairman of the Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID) - one of P1's partners - said: "We are proud to host and support the event in Bournemouth for the third year.

"It provides a superb showcase for the town through extensive media exposure, provides free entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages and extends the tourism season into September to create local economic impact."

The final round of the P1 marine motorsport championships is scheduled for September 3&4.