This weekend sees the start of a relatively new and exciting activity in Saundersfoot which will draw in hundreds of spectators and sports enthusiasts (writes Jemima Childs). Powerboating - a gravity-defying, high-speed race in the waves - is a growing sport, and the RYA ThunderCat racing competition is being held at different venues across Britain. Saundersfoot's Coppet Hall beach sees round five and six tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, and Pembrokeshire is being represented by a local duo - Simon Harding, 38, from Neyland, and his co-pilot, Rylan Edwards, 25, from Goodwick. Simon is enthusiastic about the race being held at a Pembrokeshire location, calling the setting a 'natural amphitheatre'. Because of the coastal path along the cliffs, there will be fabulous viewing opportunities, and everyone is welcome to come and watch - and support the two local competitors! It's a race of how quickly two team mates can manoeuvre around the buoys that form an 'M-shaped' challenging course. With wind, current, and questionable weather conditions, it's a highly skilled sport. Participants need to to use their quick wit and forward-thinking to push themselves to the finish line, with as many boats behind them as they can manage. It's an adrenaline-filled sport, and for Simon and Rylan it definitely floats their boat. The pair, who are racing their first season together have a formidable relationship. You can immediately tell that they're of a winning mentality. With their propellers sponsored by 'Steel Developments, London', the racers acknowledge that confidence is key. "We'll be in top five!" they promise. It's like Formula One on water, as the boats are motorised, lightweight, inflatable catamarans - add a few waves, and each race is dramatic and high-octane! And the powerboat community are more than friendly - welcoming onlookers into the 'dry pits' on the beach, where you can have a closer look at the boats, and meet and chat to the racers. With six heats of six laps per day, this is a fast-paced battle out at sea. Yet 'camaraderie is at the heart of the sport', Simon divulges. If they want to win, they want to win fairly. This event relies on the support of the locals, and the pinnacle is the prize-giving, held at 5 pm. Medals will be given to the winners, who will hopefully reign supreme on home soil. So if you fancy an exhilarating, rip-roaring day out, head over to Coppet Hall to catch a glimpse of the wave-breaking action. I was able to experience first-hand the thrills of powerboat racing when Simon and Rylan invited the Observer out onto the water. Although called 'powerboating', you don't spend much time on the water. Flying over waves set-up by the wake boarding boat, I co-piloted with Simon towards the Cleddau Bridge. And it's amazing how quickly you can become addicted! Simon has a passion for this sport, as does his formal co-pilot, Rylan, a keen wake boarder. They race as if they and the boat are one, and I was lucky enough to experience this connection. Firstly, we started off with the basics. The pilot sits at the back of the boat, so can therefore control the engine. They're in charge of the direction and speed the boat travels (this is often a 'make or break' moment in every finale) and to turn left, you push the lever right, and to turn right, you push it left, so this requires a lot of concentration! The co-pilot then sits oppositely diagonal to the pilot, with their feet under the ropes tied along the sides of the boat, supporting them. These ropes enable the co-pilot to pull themselves up the boat when lurching round corners, and keep them from falling in when leaning out of the boat. It's hard work, and definitely gives you white knuckles! Flying at up to 63mph along the Cleddau Estuary, I felt a true admiration for the extraordinary sport. With Simon's guidance, I had the confidence to trust in the boat, and throwing my body weight wherever he commanded, it's mandatory! The heart-racing excitement as my hair whipped across my helmet was contagious - it felt impossibly real. With the spray stinging my eyes, we darted along the coastline, drawing in the same breath as the cows in the fields next to us - typical Pembrokeshire! And although we seemed oblivious to the cars advancing over the Cleddau Bridge, I realised later that we were probably going faster than them! The exhilaration as we bounced over the choppy waves with the white sun high in the clouds above was breathtaking. I couldn't help but scream and laugh as we plunged back into the brilliant waters, ready to attack again. You should definitely head to Coppet Hall beach this weekend at 11 am to witness the excitement when the co-pilots race to the shore, jump overboard, and kick-start the engine to tear up the water to the closest buoy. I know that when I watch Simon and Rylan, I'll have a greater appreciation for how fearless you have to be. It was adrenaline-filled just on the practice run, but in a competition, adrenaline will be soaring. For example, I learnt that you need to get a tight turn in around each buoy quickly, but with eight other boats all with the same hope, it's essential to trust your competitors; not an easy task! About to fling myself over the bow of the boat before a sharp corner, I asked Simon for one piece of advice he could give to young enthusiasts. Shifting the engine, he shouted, "Always turn left!" "Right, okay!" I yelled back. "No, left!"