​One of Cornwall’s most popular surfing beaches has secured an exclusive deal to host a prestigious powerboat competition for the next three years.

The Zapcat National Surf Championships are to be hosted and co-sponsored by the International Surf Centre at Fistral Beach in Newquay.

Last year the site successfully hosted two Zapcat events, with an estimated 2,000 visitors turning up to watch the powerful catamarans tear through the waves at breath-taking speed.

Nick Webb, events manager for the International Surf Centre, said: “The two free-to-view events we held last year at Fistral were very well received by residents and visitors to Newquay, including many of the Zapcat travelling supporters, proving to be a very popular attraction for all ages; certainly helping the owners of the International Surf Centre to make the very decisive move to support the series over the next three years and to turn it into a bigger and regular event for all to get involved with.

“In this time of public sector cuts and an uncertain economy, one thing guaranteed is that people want to be entertained and have things to look forward to, so it is down to resorts, councils and businesses to work together to bring wonderful events like Zapcat Racing to the town.”

 The dates for 2011 are May 7-8 and September 30-October 1.