Artificial reef in Florida to become an underwater racetrack to host the Vandenberg Grand Prix in May

To many scuba divers' astonishment and delight, what is known to be the world's second largest ship ever sunk as an artificial reef will soon become the host of the next Vandenberg Underwater Grand Prix, after it has been selected as the stage and racetrack where scuba diving competitors will battle it out for the grand prize.

Taking place between 18th -20th May 2012, the annual event, now in its third year running, will see hopeful scuba divers speeding through the sunken ship and competing in multiple categories while staying within safe parameters.

Image by Praecere, on Flickr.

Instead of scuba diving on their own, the participants in this one-of-a-kind underwater race will be using diver-propulsion vehicles to make their way around the 523-foot-long Get. Hoyt S. Vanderberg, a gran ship that once was a military troop transport vessel and missile-tracking ship.

The Vandeberg ship was sunk back in 2009 in Florida, at approximately seven miles off Key West. Its immersion had the purpose of boosting coral life and attracting more enthusiast divers to scuba diving holidays in Florida where they could explore the ancient ship and admire the thriving coral life surrounding it. The Vandenberg has since served as an artificial coral reef beckoning wreck-diving enthusiasts to enjoy amazing scuba diving adventures. The bottom of the ship's hull lies upon sand in 150 feet of water, but the gigantic ship's structure expands to about 45 feet below the surface of the sea.

The underwater racing action at Vandenberg will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, 18th May, with a racer's meeting held at the Rum Barrel, 528 Front St.

The scuba diving events of the following day start off at 9 a.m. and include scooter demonstrations, race practice, manufacturer races and diver-propulsion vehicle certification for any racers who are not yet DPV certified. The action is headquartered at the lagoon at Florida Keys Community College, 5901 College Road.

For participants lunch, gear and tank rentals will be made available through the Florida Keys Community College Dive Club.

Image by SBrinn, on Flickr.

On Sunday, the last day of the Underwater Grand Prix, the big race will take place at 8.30 a.m., at the dock at Seaduction Dive Center, 1605 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Divers are to race around the top of the Vandenberg's superstructure, competing in multiple classes to achieve the fastest speeds while staying within safety parameters.

To finish off the three-day competition an awards ceremony will be staged at the Seaduction dock following the race.

For those interested in enjoying one of the most thrilling scuba diving adventures and underwater competitions, the entry fees are $50 U.S. dollars per diver.