Powerboat Racing

Athletes compete at the Regione Sardegna-Grand Prix of Italy on 16-18. The UIM-ABP Aquabike will be held in Việt Nam next March. — Photo of Aquabike World Championship

HÀ NỘI — The Grand Prix of powerboat racing is coming to Việt Nam for the first time in March 2024 in Quy Nhơn City.

UIM-F1H20 Powerboat Racing is being organised by H2O Racing and Aquabike Promotion under the aegis of the International Powerboat Racing Union (UIM) and includes two categories: UIM-F1H20 Powerboat Racing and UIM-ABP Aquabike.

More than 70 athletes, including seasoned racers from many countries around the world, will take part in the events. It will be a great opportunity for those who love water sports to witness firsthand the thrilling and memorable art of powerboat racing.

Both events will take place at Thị Nại Lagoon, an attractive tourist destination in the central region, with pristine beauty and breathtaking landscapes.

At the press conference on Sunday, the organisers confirmed that the lagoon fully meets international standards for water quality, wind, and social and cultural conditions and is fit to become a leading watersports venue in Việt Nam.

The UIM-ABP Aquabike Grand Prix will be from March 22 to 24, 2024 while the UIM F1 H2O boat race will be from March 29 to 31, 2024 along with other exciting sideline events.

Athletes compete at the UIM F1H2O Grand Prix of France earlier this year. The UIM-F1H20 Powerboat Racing will be held in Việt Nam next March. — Photo of F1H2O World Championship

"The powerboat racing events are predicted to be among the most anticipated events of the year. Fans of this sport will have the opportunity to witness thrilling races with the participation of seasoned racers from many countries around the world," said Bình Định People's Committee Chairman Phạm Anh Tuấn.

"The tournament aims to create a professional playground and promote the powerboat racing movement in Việt Nam. It is also an opportunity for the local authorities to develop the tourism industry, attracting media, supporters and tourists worldwide, and to contribute to economic growth."

Tuấn added that the events would help to raise awareness and promote interest in sports and healthy lifestyles within the community, enhance human connections, and promote peace and cultural exchange.

In addition to the exciting races, spectators can also enjoy unique cuisine in Bình Định, as well as live music performances and other exciting activities.

UIM-F1H20 is an annual professional single-seater powerboat racing series organized on a circuit by the International Powerboating Federation (UIM). F1H2O is the official name of the racing series, with F1 representing high speed and H2O representing water.

The UIM-F1H20 powerboat racing is one of the fastest and most thrilling races in the world, with high speeds and dramatic technical manoeuvres such as passing through turns at speeds over 145km/h and reaching a top speed of 226km/h on straight stretches. In history, several racers shared a world record for the sport with speeds of up to 261km/h.

Points awarded at each Grand Prix event count towards the overall standings of the world championship.

Organisers announce the first Grand Prix of Bình Định 2024 International Professional Powerboat Racing on July 9 in Bình Định Province. — Photo of organisers

Since 1984, nearly 300 major races were held in 33 countries on five continents including in Italy, Germany, Egypt, South Korea, Japan and Sri Lanka. The UIM-ABP Aquabike racing is a new and colourful watercraft racing event in ViệtNam and is considered one of the most exciting and thrilling jet ski racing events in the world. The UIM-ABP Aquabike includes various formats and different race stages, creating a diverse and exciting experience for riders and audiences alike.

The competition includes several categories, including Runabout GP1, Ski GP1 for men and women, and Freestyle.

UIM is the international federation that governs all powerboat racing activities. Some of the main disciplines include circuit racing, offshore racing, offshore, leisure sports, and aquabiking. VNS