TORBAY is set to host one of the most exciting events in the powerboat calendar next year.

A meeting was held this week to discuss Torquay hosting the Round Britain Race, with some of the country's finest boats taking part in 1,450 nautical miles of endurance competition. Torbay councillors and the harbourmaster met with members of the Offshore Racing Drivers Association to sort out details of the event starting and finishing in Tor Bay next June.

Gordon Oliver, one of those at the presentation, said: "It was a productive meeting, and we'll welcome the race with open arms.

"We've certainly got the facilities to host such a major event. The bay is perfect and we have all the accommodation they need. All the advantages are here.

"It'll be a spectacle for residents as well as visitors, and we'll make sure it's an event they remember."

Forty-seven boats have already registered to take part in the race, ranging from Class A to Class H.

They will vary in size, with the largest measuring 40ft long, which is comparable to F1 boats.

Subject to the deal being finalised, the powerboats will leave Torquay on June 18 before heading to Milford Haven, Inverness, Newcastle, Lowestoft and Portsmouth, and then returning to Torquay on June 26.

Television channel Sky 3 has signed up to broadcast every stage of the race, and organisers are also aiming to have a classic boats race, with older boats perhaps travelling on the last leg of the event.

The Royal Torbay Yacht Club, on Torquay harbourside, will host race co-ordinations, and a ceremony will be held at the Imperial Hotel.

Dean Gibbs, event director, said: "We've had an unofficial confirmation, but there are still permissions to be obtained.

"We should know within a week or so, although everyone thought it would be good for Torbay to host this race.

"We'd be very honoured if Torbay hosted this event, because Torbay is the traditional home of powerboat racing."

Members of ORDA are regular visitors to Torbay, with the resort hosting numerous legs of the national championships.

Shirley Simpkins, ORDA secretary, said: "We would very much like to bring the race to Torquay.

"We have excellent relationships with the people of Torbay, and at a meeting in January we were asked if we could bring bigger boats and events to Torquay.

"Well, here is that opportunity. I think it'll be all systems go in terms of it happening, but it's got to be discussed in depth by the council.

"The meeting was really, really good. Everyone's very keen. We scoped out a lot of details and, hopefully, it'll be coming to Torbay next year."