Excitement Builds for Offshore Boat Racing Championships at Lake Barken

On July 24, Lake Barken will host the prestigious World and Swedish Championships in offshore boat racing, with approximately 70 boats expected to participate across various classes. The event, organized by Smedjebackens Båtklubb with the support of Kungliga Motorbåtsklubben, promises an exhilarating experience, including speeds over 100 kilometers per hour.

The venue has a large harbor capable of accommodating around 500 boats, encompassing facilities such as launching areas, food services, restrooms, and more, ensuring convenience for both competitors and spectators. The event is governed by strict regulations, emphasizing safety with limits on fuel usage—only 98 octane fuel will be permitted, and there will be restrictions on refueling at the starting area.

A key highlight will be the introduction of a GPS tracking service called webtracking, allowing spectators to follow the racing action in real-time on their mobile devices, an innovation aimed at enhancing audience engagement. Moreover, the championships are set to foster youth interest in boating, featuring five new GP10 boats designed specifically for children ages 6 to 12. This initiative is part of a larger effort to cultivate a passion for boating among the younger generation, promoting skills that could lead to future competitive racing interests similar to that seen in Finland.

Lennart Silfverin, chairman of Smedjebackens Båtklubb, expressed confidence in their preparations, noting the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event but highlighting their experience and the comprehensive facilities available.