Inshore powerboat racing is a form of water-based motorsport using powerboats in sheltered or inland stretches of water, including lakes, rivers, docks and sheltered bays. It is often referred to as circuit powerboat racing because of the frequency of inshore races to use the format of a circuit loop, around which boats race for a number of predetermined laps.
International races and championships are administered by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) while national events are organised by the relevant country's own powerboat association.
Categories
There are numerous categories that define the levels of competition for inshore powerboat racing. Much like circuit car racing, the highest levels are designated "Formula" followed by a number, and the principal of these is the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship. Each "Formula" level follows a different set of regulations that specify the design of the boat and engine, as well as the rules of competition.
The most common form of inshore powerboat racing involves a race around a two pin (buoy) or multi-pin circuit of approximately 1.5 – 2 km in length. Each pin marks a turn in the course. Races will vary in duration, normally no more than 45 minutes, but endurance category races can last much longer, such as the "24 Hours of Rouen".
Historically, powerboat racing has been defined by 'classes' and this is still the case in offshore powerboat racing where Class 1 is the premier category. For inshore racing, up until the creation of Formula 1, the OZ, ON, and OE classes were regarded as the most prestigious categories.
The following Formula categories are currently sanctioned by the UIM:
Category Date founded Current champion Notes Formula 1 1981 Jonas Andersson Formula 2 2002 Rashed Al Qemzi Formula 4 2005 Andrè Solvang Formula 4S 2010 Max Stilz Runs as a support category on the F1 tour. Formula 500 2004 Marian Jung European championship ran from 1987-2002. Formula 350 2006 Claudio Fanzini Formula 250 2001 Peter Bodor Formula 125 2004 Alex Zilioli Formula R1000 2002 Reinhard Gerbert
Formula 3 is one of many defunct "Formula" categories; it was cancelled after 2004.
The following non-Formula categories are also sanctioned by the UIM: GT15 GT30 SST45 SST200 O125 O250 O350 O500 O700 JT250 OSY400 S550 P750 HR850 FR1000 OB2000 OB3000 Endurance S1 Endurance S2 Endurance S3
National competitions As well as global and continental championships, individual nations have thriving domestic scenes too. In particular the United States, but also many countries in Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In recent years, the sport has become very popular in the Persian Gulf region, particularly the United Arab Emirates and also Qatar.
Boat designs Many inshore championships utilise variations on the catamaran style boat design, particularly the higher levels of the sport. In lower categories however, different designs are utilised which are determined by the class regulations. In these instances, traditional V hulls and inflatables are common and are the accepted way for younger pilots to gain experience and progress through to the more powerful catamarans.
See also Motorboat racing Offshore powerboat racing Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship Formula 4s Powerboat World Championship
References
External links UIM Official Website Formula 1 (F1H2O) Official Website Formula 2 Official Website Powerboat Racing World Website The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum