The Sport

                                                                           Photo Lee Whitehead

Gemini Zapcats originated from South Africa where since the early 80’s local crews have raced inflatable boats down treacherous rivers and along rugged coastlines. They were developed from life saving surf rescue craft for racing and leisure, Zapcats are designed to cope with a huge variety of sea conditions from flat calm lakes to large breaking surf. Since those early days, inflatable boat technology and design has come along way, finally evolving into the highly capable, versatile and robust Zapcat. The boats are inflatable catamarans with 50hp engines that reach up to 50mph on the water, but are inherently safe through having propellers in purpose designed and built propeller guards.

Since its explosive entry into the UK sports market in 2001, Zapcat Racing has seen rapid growth within the sport and has become the world’s largest one-design powerboat series as well as becoming a highly popular leisure craft. The versatility of these feisty little powerboats is one of the many reasons for their success within the UK and European water sports scene.

Zapcat racings strict one design ethics offer competitors close, affordable and fair racing. Zapcat racing has become accessible to a very large number of individuals due to the boats’ affordability, simplicity to maintain and transport, the captivating sport of Zapcat racing attracts many sportsmen and women from the arenas of RIB racing, motorcycling, mountain biking, jet-skiing and even go-karting.

Facts about Zapcats!
Zapcats are highly suited to the UK and European waters and are very easy to store when not in use. Weighing under 150kg including the 50hp out-board engine and accessories, they can be easily handled by two people.

 A power to weight ratio of 340bhp per tonne puts Zapcat firmly in super car territory.

• Capable of handling extremely rough seas and large surf.

• A wave large enough to break over the boat will not cause the boat to flood. The water runs straight out of the Zapcats open aluminium transom.

• Excellent fuel efficiency – due to its lightweight and tunnel boat design, a Zapcat is over 4 times more fuel-efficient than regular mono-hull powerboats and Jet skis.

• Easy to tow – only 270kg including trailer.

• The catamaran design keeps the boat stable whether stationary or at speed.