Archive - Tuesday, 7 August 2001


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Airport to host top race

AN AIR RACE which dates back to Monaco in 1913 is set to be held in Pembrokeshire for the first time.

The 2001 Schneider Trophy Air Race is being organised by the Royal Aero Club in conjunction with Haverfordwest Flight Centre.

Pilots will fly from the flight centre at Withybush to Abercastle, St Davids and Nolton Haven, before returning to Haverfordwest. They will carry out three or four laps of the course.

The first Schneider race was held for seaplanes off the coast of Monaco. After three successive wins by Great Britain (in 1927, 1929 and 1931), Britain retained the trophy outright and it is on display at the Science Museum in London.

Pilots now compete for a replica trophy and no longer race in seaplanes. This is the only Schneider Race in Britain this year. It will feature mainly light aircraft - jet-propelled aircraft are not allowed to enter.

John Rees, owner of Haverfordwest Flight Centre, said: Its something different and hopefully it will be a boost for Pembrokeshire."

Captain Gwyndaf Williams, chief pilot, said: Were hoping lots of people in Pembrokeshire will come along to support it and maybe we can encourage more races to take place here in the future.

The Schneider Trophy Air Race will take place on Sunday, August 19th, at 1.30 pm, with a practice run at 11.30 am. There will also be a race on Saturday, August 18th at 3 pm, with a practice run at 12 noon. Spectators are welcome to go along to Withybush, where there will be a display by the Pembrokeshire Vintage Car Club and a barbecue.