No cats allowed at Powerboat P1

by Bob Wonders on 15 Apr 2009
The Powerboat P1 World Championship organisers claim they host the world’s premium international motor sport event and looking at the extreme professionalism and the manner in which it is promoted, it would be difficult to argue the point.

In 2009, teams will compete for the world crown at five Grand Prix of the Sea events on offshore waters at some of the world’s most exotic tourist locations.

The destinations across Europe and the Middle East, allied with P1’s exclusive VIP entertainment village and hospitality offer a world class racing experience that attracts celebrities, global media, fans and boaters.

Now in its seventh season, Powerboat P1 is contested in two classes, Evolution and Supersport, all mono-hulled, twin-engine boats in the 30’ to 45’ (9.14 to 13.71-metres) size range.

The Evolution Class comprises prototype race boats with closed cockpits, while Supersport entries are factory production craft with open cockpits.

Hull and engine manufacturers employed in the P1 championships include the top names in the performance boat industry, including Fountain, Cigarette, Lamborghini, Donzi, Outerlimits and Mercury.
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Current P1 crews represent more than a dozen different nationalities and have been described by P1 organisers as 'a special breed of sportsmen and women,' all skilled in technical operation of their boats, navigation and all-round racing acumen.

Each team and crew become part of the ‘show’ and the sporting entertainment of the world class racing experience Powerboat P1 delivers.

All Grand Prix of the Sea events are free to the public, with the close in-shore racing offering fans a panoramic view of the action, enhanced by large screen televisions which shows live racing from many angles.

Live commentary is delivered by P1 Radio and fans worldwide can follow the action on-line with cutting edge ‘Virtual Spectator’ software available at the P1 website, www.powerboatP1.com

Earlier this month, Powerboat P1 announced a new broadcast partnership with Italy’s largest television broadcaster, RAI, which will deliver the P1 series to more than 10 million homes!

The agreement will see highlights of the ’09 season screened on sports TV channel RAI Sport Piu.

In addition to coverage of the championship rounds, season preview and review programs will also be shown.

At present, five rounds have been confirmed for the 2009 Powerboat P1 World Championship, but negotiations are believed to be underway for a sixth event.

The 2009 title opens on May (8-10) at Valetta, Malta.

It then moves to Istanbul, Turkey (June 19-21), Gothenburg, Sweden (August 7-9), Sicily, Italy (September 11-13) and Manama, Bahrain (October/November, date to be confirmed).

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