THE PATH TO RACING ENLIGHTENMENT

You've seen the videos and now you want in on the action, but does the sound of getting your licence and compulsory training put you off taking the next step?

In a bid to prove that a trip to the dentist is more painful, we've contacted the 'daddy' of powerboat race training, Neil Holmes, and asked him exactly what's required to transform a flubby land-lubber into a streamlined sea-dog.

For starters, it's the RYA Level 2 training course. There's no escaping from this mandatory pathway as it gives you the necessary skills to operate a powerboat, understand the safety equipment, and other important actions, such as the man overboard procedure. It's perfect for the complete novice and serves as a good refresher course for those with salt already in their blood.

The course runs over two days and costs £245 per person. You're now at the halfway point to securing your goal of becoming a P1 SuperStock racer. Before you can call the experts at the P1 office to register you'll need to complete two days race training. Enter Neil Holmes, who runs a dedicated race training level that will gear you up to deal with close quater racing and how best to react to the ever changing conditions of the ocean.

Without this i doubt anything would prepare you for that hair-raising dash into turn one, or the overwhelming rush you'll get as the rest of the field push for the clear lines. Being prepared is not the first rule of The Scouts for nothing.

Still feeling unsure? Are you still drawn into the action of powerboating but worried about the upfront expense and days off work? Why not contact The Powerboat Centre for the teaser day? You'll get all of the aforementioned action in a one-day taster and if it turns you on, then you're one step closer to joining the ranks of the UK's most exciting new motorsport! And if not, then you've at least had the biggest thrill of your life.