Powerboat Racing Returns To EQT Three Rivers Regatta With A Fury
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- You could hear the engines roaring all the way in Mount Washington, Formula One boats gliding on the Allegheny River at speeds well over a hundred miles an hour. People have heard plenty about the Ferris wheel, the food and all the great events at Point state Park. But on Saturday it was time for all eyes to turn to the river for the powerboat trials.
"We just come down to look at the powerboat racing an just check out the Regatta," said Mike Sesck.
Jim Van Pelt from San Diego was in the middle of a baseball tour, he didn't know about the EQT Three Rivers Regatta.
"We have these in San Diego as well, but it's kind of cool to see it down here," he said.
Last year powerboat racing was cancelled because the swollen river made conditions unsafe. But this years the boats and their drivers are back. Driver Carlos Mendana said nothing compares to the thrill of racing.
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"It's kind of like bouncing between a boat and an airplane at all times then get into the corners when you trim the boat down and the boat grabs it feels like a Formula One car," Mendana said.
He and his brother come from four generations of powerboat racers, they admit the course here is challenging.
"We compare this course a lot to our course in Bay City, Michigan, which is a little bit narrow but it's got seawalls and it's very rough," he said.
Sesck said he thinks The Regatta could turn Pittsburgh into a major destination.
"It's beautiful it's great for the city brings in some money some tourism, people coming to see what we have to offer it's a great showcase for the city," he said.