THERE will be high-speed boat racing on the River Tyne this weekend (August 30-31).

The third annual NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix will be staged on a course between the Tyne and Millennium bridges from 11am to 5.30pm on Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday.

Spectators can watch from the Newcastle-Gateshead quayside as some of the country’s top powerboaters race along at speeds of up to 45mph and pull 3Gs in their turns.

At least 15 teams are expected to compete, with seven boats per heat and two finals each day.

The goals are to win the NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix trophy and gain points in the Zapcat National Championship.

Last year’s Newcastle winners, the Haggis Hunters, took up the sport after watching the inaugural NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix in 2012.

Stephen Patterson, director of communications at NE1, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting our third NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix.

“The event has become a firm fixture in NE1’s annual events programme and we’re expecting record numbers of competitors and spectators.

“This is the reason we installed the marina two years ago to bring the river back to life and to increase the vibrancy and atmosphere of Newcastle.

“With crowds of over 25,000 gathering to watch the explosive action we feel we have gone some way to achieving this aim and we can’t wait to watch the drama unfold this year.”

Jamie Stickler, from Zapcat Powerboats, said: “Newcastle is a fantastic venue for the NE1 Zapcat Grand Prix and it’s one of the most exciting racing venues of the season.”