The SCOTTISH ZAPCAT experience

 

  If you want high speed, adrenaline fuelled, water adventure . . . take a look at a ZAPCAT!

Where are ZAPCATS from? "With their stability and great wave conquering ability, they were originally designed for surf rescue in South Africa, now they're here! Although ZAPCATS are relatively new to the UK, ZAPCATS are the fastest growing one design powerboating sport in the UK. ZAPCAT race experiences are currently only available in 3 other venues in the UK but we are still the only true ZAPCAT race experience  operators in Scotland!"

What is a ZAPCAT?

 "It’s basically a catamaran powerboat fitted with a 50hp outboard engine. Passengers (or co-pilots) shift their weight as required by the pilot, to enable these boats to keep a neat racing line . . . corner at three times the force of gravity . . .and at speeds of up to 50mph . . . !

Because of their relatively light weight and acceleration it feels like your in a Mini with a Ferrari engine!" 

Where can you ZAPCAT? "Being fully mobile, we can take our our fleet of three ZAPCATS and our 250hp support RIB anywhere. They have been used on Loch Lomond; off the coast of Largs; at the Glasgow River festival for the past three years and we've even held a ZAPCAT event in Inverness! However, we normally hold our ZAPCAT race experience sessions in the open waters of the Clyde near Loch Long where we can really put you to the test."

ZAPCAT EXPERIENCES

 

In a group you'll be taking part in race trials, around circuit buoys, against the clock. And with the power to weight ratio of a 340bhp Ferrari, you'll be holding on tight and smiling for days! 

 

While your awaiting your turn in one of our three ZAPCATS, you'll be riding onboard our 240hp turbocharged powerboat. As well as acting as a support boat, this craft will be racing up and down at speed of 32knots, causing wake which the ZAPCATS can use as water ramps. Also, more often than not, and as a bonus, passengers maybe invited to drive the RIB.

 

 

A typical experience will begin with your 1:1 ZAPCAT race training. This part of the session will focus on straight lines; how the boat manoeuvres on the corners; how to shift your weight from side to side, and even over the front; an introduction to the race course whilst gradually increasing your confidence in a ZAPCAT.

 

 

The session will then progress to race heats. You will be racing around an 'M' shaped course similar to the course used in the ZAPCAT Grand Prix circuit. Three races each will determine your place on the leaderboard. The top three positions will then race it out to determine who is the overall session winner.

 

 

The final part of the session, and some say the most exciting, is 'wave jumping'. The powerboat will slow down to about 12 knots to create maximum wake (or waves). The ZAPCATS will then take it in turns with any willing participants, to jump over the waves which act as water ramps. You won't escape getting a proper soaking!

 

 

 

 

Your experience will take approximately three hours to complete. You'll be provided with a wetsuit; buoyancy aid and helmet. You will need a towel, and maybe a change of clothes.

 

If there's space aboard the support RIB spectators can come along for the ride (£50 extra charge). Just ask at time of booking for availability.

 

ZAPCATS experiences are available from beginning of March to end of October. Call us for a complete activity information sheet and prices. 

 

Prices from £99 per person.

 

 

 RYA LEVEL 2 TRAINING . . . ZAPCAT

 

Want to learn how to drive a ZAPCAT? Well you can now, with us, and get a recognised Powerboating Level 2 Royal Yachting Qualification as well. 

 

This is course is the RYA level 2 "licence of the seas" with extra emphasis on ZAPCATS. Therefore, you will spend most of your time on a ZAPCAT with some extra time learning to drive a big RIB.

 

There's not many courses available like this . . . if any.

 

ZAPCAT specific areas you will cover include:

  • ZAPCAT pre checklist including:
    • outboardcheck
    • fuel mixing
    • engine flushing
    • sponson checks
    • launch and recovery
    • clothing and equipment
    • emergency packs
  • ZAPCAT piloting including:
    • straight course
    • high speed turning
    • laying a course
    • 'M' shaped race course introduction
    • co pilot briefing and positioning
  • Basic maintenance including:
    • sponson emergency repair
    • outboard restart after a waterlog
  • Some shore based class room style work, including:
    • knowledge of tides and wind
    • rules of the road (IRPCS)
    • MCA and QHM local protocols
    • reviewing local admiralty charts
  • Advanced manoeuvres including:
    • man overboard procedures (using a role specific water rescue mannequin)
    • wave jumping
    • rough water piloting
    • race heat procedures
    • "endies"!

All this will be on top of your basic RYA Level 2 requirements including coming alongside; picking up a buoy; basic ropework; introduction to chartwork and weather.

This two day training course has been designed to be very 'hands on' meaning you will spend a lot of time on the ZAPCATS getting familiar with their handling and speed. Time not spent onboard the ZAPCATS, will be spent familiarising with the 235hp 7.2m powerboat platform.

 
Location: Rhu Marina, Helensburgh, nr. Glasgow
Time: 0900 - 1700 both days
Lunch:  Not included
Accommodation: Not included
Helmets and racing lifejackets will be provided. Wetsuits will be provided if needed (drysuits are recommended as are wetsuit booties)
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this course
Local accommodation recommendations upon request
 
Call 0141 940 4313 and ask for Mike Edwin or email office@ottevents.com for more information.

 

 

 CORPORATE  REWARD & TEAMBUILDING

 

We are able to offer a complete multi activity day for parties of any size.

 

To add to the day's watersports activities, we can also offer powerboating; dinghy sailing; kayaking; canoeing; and waterskiing options.

 

We offer a whole lot more than boats though . . . . .

  • A mini Highland Games
  • 'Crystal Maze' style Teambuilding Games
  • Vehicle 'Treasure Hunt' challenges
  • Tethered Hot Air Balloon
  • Archery
  • Duck Herding
  • Powerturn Vehicle
  • 4x4 Camera Drive vehicle
  • Reverse Steer Mitsubushi Shogun Vehicle
  • Clay Pigeon and Rifle Shooting
  • Family Sports Days
  • Helicopters
  • and more . . . .

We work very hard on the finer details that'll make your day the most memorable on the business calendar.

 

Venue? Transport? Food? Marquee? Music? Evening Entertainment . . . leave it all to us.

 

Some of our favoured venues include luxury 5 star venues such as Lennoxlove Castle; Mar Hall Hotel and Spa; Dundas Castle; and further afield including Agadoe Heights and Capella Castlemartyr in Ireland.

 

All equipment and instruction is of course provided. and corporate branding of the event is always available.

 

We carry £20,000,000 public liability insurance & carry out site specific risk assessments where necessary.

  

GIFT VOUCHERS

ZAPCAT Experience Gift Vouchers are available now, personalised with the buyer's message. Ideal for Christmas; a birthday present; or even as a wedding gift for that adventurous couple. 

Buying is easy, they will be sent same day as payment is received (allow clearance time for cheques).

 

Ring 0141 940 4313 for details, and make someone's special day really memorable.