THEY are usually seen cutting through the waves at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour.

So it was no surprise to see more than a few puzzled gazes as a fleet of powerboats navigated their way around a course that was a little drier, and a lot slower than normal.

Yesterday, ahead of this weekend's Cowes Powerboat Festival, several of the teams competing in the British Grand Prix of the Sea took on the challenge of driving through the traffic of Southampton's city centre.

The parade gave residents the chance to see the 40ft-long 2,000-horsepower Powerboat P1 machines - the maritime equivalent of Formula One cars - up close and in all their glory.

The two P1 events are set to be among the highlights of three days of high-adrenaline racing on The Solent, during the Daily Echo-supported spectacular.

An international field of competitors will take part in an endurance Round The Island race tomorrow, before a second leg off the Cowes shorefront on Sunday.

More than 65,000 spectators descended on the Isle of Wight for the 2006 event, which will again this year feature many support races, including the latest legs of the Honda Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Series.

But the entertainment won't just be confined to the events on the water.

Visitors will get the chance to wander around the pits, mingling with the teams among their boats.

Bars and restaurants, exhibition stalls, and parties throughout the night will ensure the festival guarantees to provide a full weekend of excitement for just about everyone.