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
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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:
- 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
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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
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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
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References
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External links
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