International Thunder Cat power boat racing in Bentota – A thrilling experience to remember

The southern coast of Sri Lanka vibrated with energy and power as seven four-meter inflatable boats reached speeds of 75 kmph by competing in the first ever Thunder Cat Valentine’s Trophy at Club Bentota on 14 February.

It was held amidst a distinguished crowd including the Deputy British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Laura Davies, Secretary to the Sports Minister Dr. D. M. R.B Dissanayake and Police Marine Division/Environment Protection Division Director SSP H.H Chulasiri.

The event was organised by Lanka Powerboat Association, which believes that Sri Lanka is the ideal new location for powerboat racing, which is a fast, furious and a glamorous water sport. Their target is to promote powerboat racing in Sri Lanka, in order to make it popular amongst Sri Lankans and enable them to take part in sport events both locally and internationally.

A team of ‘Thunder Cat Pilots’ came especially on this behalf to train co-pilots in order to host the first-ever International Thunder Cat race in Sri Lanka. It was exciting to watch the local participants challenge their foreign counterparts in a fantastic game, speeding up at their best and surfing just meters from the beach. 

The event did not only provide a thrilling and a chilling experience to remember, but also entertained both foreign and local visitors with its colourful and cultural glamour, enhanced with Kandyan, Nagaraksha and other traditional dancing acts. The traditional dancing session was arranged by Sri Lanka Tourism, also contributing by giving wide publicity through social media, and arranging an information centre.

Power boat racing is described as one of the world’s exhilarating water sports. The main objective of a ‘Thunder Cat’ is surf racing and they race at high speeds in surf up to 5 meters and wind speeds up to 45 knots. Established in 1922, the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) is the world governing body for all power boating activities. It is also recognised by the International Olympic Committee, and Lanka Powerboat Association is an active member of the UIM.

This highly-successful Valentine’s Trophy was the first in a series of international events that Lanka Powerboat Association plans to bring to Sri Lanka. The Aquabike World Championship scheduled to be held later this year, will be another much anticipated event. 

Having the opportunity to organise international events such as these signifies an improvement in the sporting arena. Introduction of new sports and thrill activities enables a boost in the tourism sector of the country.

Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga has extended his fullest support to promote such events which have international recognition.