Zap Cats Zip Into Belfast's Riverside

The newly appointed NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has been making a big splash today.

He has officially launched the Belfast Zapcat Racing Grand Prix which was today speeding up the Lagan and into the heart of the capital for the first time.

Zapcats are one of the largest powerboats in the world and are regarded as being the most entertaining of vessels, delivering the highest speed action.

Now racing for 10 years in the UK, it will be its first time the event has been held in Belfast and the first City Championship venue of the 2010 National Championship season

Alex Attwood said: "This is an exciting new event which will provide a wonderful opportunity to promote the use of the River Lagan for recreational and leisure activities.

"I would encourage people to come and watch this thrilling power boat event by taking advantage of the many great vantage points along the river.

"This event will provide a packed programme of spectacular racing which can be enjoyed by the whole family. I would like to wish Zapcat Racing Grand Prix every success this year," he enthused this morning.

The Belfast Zapcat Racing Grand Prix is part of the National Championships. It will be held over two days on the River Lagan between the Albert and Queens Bridges on the 5 and 6 June 2010 as part of the Belfast Maritime Festival.

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigate, HMS Monmouth, has also sailed into the city for a special three-day visit designed to be at the heart of Belfast's Maritime Festival.

She also played host today to another very special reception - when the city council accepted the Royal Navy's invitation for Belfast to become affiliated to another vessel, the HMS Duncan - the last in class of the new Type 45 destroyers.

Due to be launched in October this year, HMS Duncan joins her sisters Daring, Dauntless, Diamond, Dragon and Defender in shaping the navy's future destroyer capability.

Newly elected Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Pat Convery, was joined on board HMS Monmouth for the ceremony by Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland, Rear Admiral Martin Alabaster.

See: Lagan Comes Alive With 'Cat' Racing

See: Navy Agrees City Affiliation Ceremony

(BMcC/GK)