Powerboat GPS - Yalta Endurance Race Round 2

88 SNAV - KITON, and 38 BAIA ATTOLINI are the winners of Grand Prix of the Sea in Yalta taking the Evolution and Super Sport Classes respectively. Both Italian teams have won the two races held on Saturday and Sunday, with 38 Baia Attolini also taking PowerPole on Friday.

Evolution

Unlike the Saturday Sprint race, the longer Endurance leg delivered only some suspense during the first lap. #33 Furnibo took a light whisker lead from #88 SNAV in the first straight run, which lasted till turning buoy one, when the Italian OSG team got into a perfect route to overtake the Fountain 40 Lighting and take a dominant position. OSG Racing Team #88 SNAV maintained this lead till the end of the race which ended in a fifteen seconds finish advantage, against second placed #60 Metamarine. The Italian built and powered Metamarine Seatek diesel monster is again showing very huge potential this year, reminiscent of the great 2008 season. Ultimately the Belgian Fountain boat #33 Furnibo ended in a good third place, which gives a shared 28 point second place overall with Metamarine for the Yalta Grand Prix of the Sea.

Super Sport

The production 90 mph speed limited class, saw a battle between various boats. #38 Baia Attolini started another leading run from beginning to end. #17 Spirit of Belgium ended in a solid second place, after a tight battle with #43 Seagull which lasted till the third lap when the new Nor-Tech boat overtook the 2009 Championship winning Chaudron 41. Third place for the new 38 foot Fountain of Italians #81 Karelpiu who made a full race fighting with the Seagull boat and where ultimately rewarded with a podium finish, and a make up for the breakage which happened on Saturday's Sprint race. In yesterdays Endurance race Team RG87 #81 Karelpiu just left the bad day of race one behind in the past. Starting in the last sixth position the US Fountain boat of the Italian team kept on battling and in lap four saw them jump to fourth position, and thanks to a good final run ended in a podium rewarded third place finish. The Albatro boat #06 Jolly Drive had a fifth place postion up until the last pen-ultimate bouy, when a photo finish final run gave this Italian team a fourth place ending. The home Ukrainian Spirit #43 Seagull 2009 Super Sport title winning boat had a race to forget which from a good second position in the initial parts ended in fifth, and a boat which was taking water during the return to the pits. #22 Big Sergio and the new Outerlimits had a slow race which ultimately saw them end in the last sixth position. Still this was enough for Team Al & Al who had enough points for a third position overall in the Yalta Grand Prix of the Sea. Race in the pits for the Donzi 38 #26 Team 26 which after the incident of Saturday did not start the Endurance run. Lets hope this team gets back to its usual winning combat ways in the next Grand Prix.

Next date is set for my home Malta Grand Prix the Sea, now in its sixth consecutive run on the 11 and 13 June. The calendar is still in a building basis, but as long as the show is on who are we to argue.

EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 88 SNAV-Kiton = 15 laps 52:46,33
2. 60 Metamarine Foresti Suardi = 53:00,86
3. 33 Furnibo = 56:14,01
4. 55 Ukrainian Spirit = RET 5 laps
5. 47 Silverline = RET 1 lap
6. 66 Cranefields Wine = RET 0 laps
- 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = DNS
- 01 Carconnex = DNS

SUPER SPORT CLASS

1. 38 Baia Attolini = 14 laps 56:34,05

2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 56:38,63

3. 81 Karelpiu = 58:16,89

4. 06 Jolly Drive = 59,27,77

5. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 59:33,03

6. 22 Big Sergio = 57:18,06 -3 laps

- 26 Team 26 = DNS

2010 Championship After Round 2

EVOLUTION:

Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 1 + Round 2 = TOTAL
1. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 20 + 20 = 40
2. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 12 + 16 = 28
3. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 16 + 12 = 28
4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 7 + 0 = 7
5. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0 + 0 = 0
6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0 + 0 = 0
7. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian - Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ~ 0 + 0 = 0
8. 01 Carconnex - Carconnex ~ 0 + 0 = 0

SUPERSPORT:

Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 1 + Round 2 = TOTAL
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 20 + 20 = 40
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 12 + 16 = 28
3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 16 + 5 = 21
4. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 6 + 7 = 13
5. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 7 + 6 = 13
6. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 0 + 12 = 12
7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 0 + 0 = 0

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - Yalta Sprint Race Round 1

Team OSG and 88 SNAV - Kiton and 38 Baia Attolini continued where they left in 2009 for there respective Evolution and Super Sport Classes taking first position for Yalta Sprint race one of the 2010 season.

Evolution

Starting first, the prototype no limits class saw the Italian #60 Metamarine Foresti Sguardi take the lead and keeping it for the first five laps, where at this time they had a very good 25 seconds lead on #88 SNAV - Kiton. The initial part of the race saw also a fierce battle for third place between Fountain #33 Furnibo, and the new 44 feet Chaudron #55 Ukrainian Spirit boat. Positions seemed settled at the first half of the race but four laps to the end #60 Metmarine had some engine problem which caused a slow down to the Italian diesel powered monster, and an opportunity for the 2009 Champion #88 SNAV. But drama was not over, as repeated spinning by #88 SNAV caused by crossing seas gave space to #55 Ukrainian Spirit who climbed themselves to the top spot. Surely at this time the locals where loving the success of there home team! Ukrainian Spirit kept this lead till the last lap, when a last assault by SNAV OSG Racing Team who where trimming the Outerlimits SV43 to perfection, saw them take the lead again. This made the Maltese and Ukrainian drivers pair try all and the idea came to follow as close possible the wake of #88 SNAV - Kiton, which spun again in this part of the race and #55 Ukrainian Spirit going straight into the US boat Italian team have been for going off route, and causing light damage to the new Chaudron Evolution boat to avoid a very terrible accident. After this #55 Ukrainian Spirit had to abandon race which is sad considering how well the Maltese built new Chaudron 44 ran in its first Evolution run. Ultimately the race finished with #88 SNAV winning, #33 Furnibo second, and #60 Metamarine third. Germany's #66 Cranefields took fourth. The #01 Carconnex, #47 Silverline, and #77 Lucas Oil did not finish the race.

Supersport

The smaller category race was more simple but saw some tension in the initial part of the race when during starting procedure the Donzi of British teams #26 Team 26 blew up a transmission, which also resulted in a broken pulse to English driver Daniel Cramphorn. The 2009 Italian Champions and runners up of the Powerboat P1 Championship #38 Baia Attolini showed there prepartion for the season which gave them a Powerpole yesterday, and a lead from start to finish today. Second place for #22 Big Sergio who presented themselves with a new Outerlimts SV40 boat, showing that the Naples team want to make up for the sad 2009 season which saw them finish the season in a pen-ultimate sixth place. The third place which was ultimately taken by #17 Spirit of Belgium saw a never ending three way battle which included the Italian Albatro boat 06 Jolly Drive, and the Fountain #81 Karelpiu who ended the race on the third lap. Jolly Drive fiinshed in the last place of the concluding boats, which still gives important points. The 2009 Powerboat P1 Supersport champion boat #43 Seagull finished in a below its potential fourth place.

EVOLUTION CLASS

1. 88 SNAV - KITON = 10 laps 39:52,71

2. 33 Furnibo = 43:15,57

3. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi = 44:13,11

4. 66 Cranefields Wine = 41:37,91 -1 lap

5. 55 Ukrainian Spirit = RET 9 laps

6. 77 Lucas Oil Scaninavian Offshore Challenge = RET 6 laps

7. 47 Silverline = RET 1 lap

8. 01 Carconnex = RET 0 laps

SUPERSPORT CLASS

1. 38 Baia Attolini = 9 laps 40:18,98

2. 22 Big Sergio = 40:24,97

3. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 40:58,91

4. 44 Seagull Chaudron = 42:08,11

5. 06 Jolly Drive = 43:47,80

6. 81 Karelpiu = RET 3 laps

7. 26 Team 26 = RET 0 laps

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - Yalta Powerpole

After much difficulties the 2010 Powerboat P1 season is finally in it's start in Ukraine. It was a first day of testing and later on it was for the usual timed Powerpole. Seas where flat calm in Yalta with what is the fastest time which give the right of line for the winning team.

EVOLUTION

The ever imposing Belgium team of Furnibo took first in the top P1 Class who follow the winning manners they ended the 2009 year. Italian Metamarine who placed second seems to want to continue and do another nice run this year similar to what they did in 2008. Third for the 2009 Champion SNAV - Kiton OSG Outerlimits boat. Only five seconds divided the first three boats which should wish well for high competition tomorrow. Fifth place for very anticipated Lucas Oil Ilmor powered Vector boat. German Cranefields placed sixth and news run that they blew up an engine in the final part of the timed run. Hope they fix this in time for tomorrow's race. Negative first result for the much awaited home team of Ukrainian Spirit who placed last of the boats finishing the pole, although the over 48 seconds from the first shows an engine problem here. Silverline and the new Fountain 43 V8 powered boat did not manage to start its first Powerpole. Let see if they can copy what Cigarette Smash Poker did in Malta for its first race in the past season, when not competing in the pole it did blew up the competition on race one.

SUPERSPORT

Similar theme to Evolution in the 90 mph speed limited open canopy production category with Belgian and Italian teams succeeding and taking the first places. First place for the 2009 Championship runner-up Baia Attolini, second was the Spirit of Belgium with there new very good looking Nor-Tech 423 boat, and third was Big Sergio Al and Al now driving a new Outerlimits SV40 boat which replaces the Italian Naples built Al and Al Marine 38 Blu Shaft.

Evolution Results:
1. 33 Furnibo = 03:30,86

2. 60 Metamarine = 03:33,54

3. 88 SNAV-Kiton = 03:35,05

4. 01 Carconnex = 03:42,26

5. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 03:45,92

6. 66 Cranefields Wine = 03:53,83

7. 55 Ukrainian Spirit = 04:18,77

- 47 Silverline = DNS

Super Sport Results:
1. 38 Baia Attolini = 04:04,29
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 04:04,24
3. 22 Big Sergio = 04:04,73

4. 26 Team 26 = 04:05,82

5. 81 Karelpiu = 04:09,96

- 43 Seagull Chaudron = DNS

- 06 Jolly Drive = DNS

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - 2010 Season Preview

Only a couple days away from the start of the 2010 UIM Poweboat P1 Championship, and we go again with a new revised calendar which is still not in its official form. As it was hinted in a previous article the Malta Grand Prix has been moved to September, and more Grand Prix of the seas settings should be added. A Belgium race is being hinted a lot, as is one in Sweden, and in North Italy. None the less a minimum five Grand Prix races should be made for 2010 and considering that a month ago the season was actually cancelled this is good news.

The list of teams is the positive starting news for the 2010 year seeing again an upgrade versus the 2009 season which had a seven boats line up in each of the two classes. This year we are back again to good numbers which are closer to the record participants seen in 2008 with nine in Evolution, and seven in Super Super Class so far confirmed in the first race. Some teams are missing from the first Grand Prix line up so we should see more racers gathering in both the Super Sport and Evolution classes in the upcoming races. Considering a month ago we had no races at all, this is all but a very positive feedback.

EVOLUTION CLASS
The top performing no limit Evolution Class will see old and new competitors, and for the 43 foot Outerlimits 88 OSG Racing Team to hold its title will be a very hard task. My favorites for this year title starts with the very promising new boat / power package 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge, followed by title holders 88 Outerlimits which has a drivers line up which looks more like a Real Madrid football team, and the Belgian 33 Furnibo 2B1 Fountain race boat which showed promising qualities towards the end of last year season. The wildcards are the diesel powered 60 Metamarine Foresti Sguardi, 53 Pignolo Team Lamborghini Racing, and the new 55 Ukranian Spirit team which are the 2009 Supersport Champions. Ukrainian Spirit choose again a new Chaudron design and will be interesting to see how the three time Supersport Champion builder will handle the pressure of the more demanding Evolution class. Other challenger would have been the Italian Cigarette Team which so far looks missing in the first race.

SUPERSPORT CLASS
Giving a preview for this class looks easy but actually is more difficult then ever. On first thoughts the 38 feet Chief powered Donzi 26 Team 26 should be the favorite showing how well they performed in 2009, and only reliability issues in five races actually stopped them from taking the championship. Team 26 also re-rigged their boat during the autumn winter break. Other favorites are the 2009 title winner 41 feet Chaudron 43 Ukrainian Spirit, and the other 38 Donzi second placed in 2009 38 Baia Attolini. The wild cards in my book are the 17 Spirit of Belgium with the new Nor-Tech 423 who shown promising results with the old boat towards the end of the 2009 season. In this class there is also two new teams both from Italy; 06 Jolly Drive Racing Team, and 81 RG87 Racing Team. More teams should join and the new Pantera 41 for 8 Phoenix TV which changes from a Formula 38, and the two times 2007-2008 Super Sport Class Racing Project Chaudron 41 which has been re-rigged for 2010 should complete the circle in this class. Both these teams should also not be taken lightly.

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - 2010 Season

Following the news that Powerboat P1 Management Ltd cancelled the 2010 Season, we finally have some more information about this after the 12th April meeting between the parties in Villa Malpensa, Milan, Italy. The bad news is that Powerboat P1 Management will not promote this years season. The good one is that the UIM takes over as promoter of this superb competition and races will be business as usual. So far we have a full calendar in order with three Grand Prix of the Seas fully confirmed, and an other two just waiting full confirmation. If all these will be confirmed that means a total of ten races, as each Grand Prix delivers two events, the longer Endurance and the shorter Sprint, and five Powerpoles. That is the same as the very good 2009 season. In this new calendar here is also showing the return of the Malta Grand Prix which after six consecutive seasons looked like to be cancelled from the previous calendar. Now this is set up again, although other news sources are saying this to be in September, which makes a bit of sense considering the below provisional calendar looks more expensive with various up and down trips on the European continent.
Powerboat P1 2010 Calendar
7-9 May UKRAINE Yalta
11-13 June MALTA Valletta
16-18 July ITALY To be confirmed
6-8 August SWEDEN To be confirmed
17-19 September ITALY, Sicily Siracusa

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat P1 - 2010 Championship Cancelled

Like a storm in good weather I announce what appeared on the Powerboat P1 website the past Thursday 1st April titled Statement from the Chairman Asif Rangoonwala. In poor words this is a declaration from the Powerboat P1 boss that the 2010 championship concerning the Evolution and Supersport classes is cancelled for this year. This is sad news indeed, and also more to this an unexpected one.

Mr. Asif Ragoonwala cites in his statement the thirty million Euros he spent to make P1 a bigger sport since he acquired the championship in 2003, and the difficulty he has encountered to make it profitable. A mission which in this letter he admits to have failed, and saying that the P1 circus is actually unsustainable in its current business model. Without going into further detail the P1 chairman says that unlike other sports there is no revenue in P1 like ticketing and TV rights to make money from. He also says that the sponsoring interest to the sport is very limited.

Still after all what I have read in this Statement and on the other news section like the Offshore Only forum I am surprised by all this. Mostly because how things where being promoted on the P1 website like the great announcement of the first live television coverage promised for the final of the 2010 season in Syracuse Grand Prix on Eurosport, and the buying of the Formula Four rights now renamed as the new P1 Superstock championship.

While Mr.Asif deserves all power boater racers and fans admiration for what he has done to the sport in the last years to make it a World class competition, questions are left unanswered. Why make these announcements? Why do the much wanted but costly Eurosport move? I am sure that fans and participants seeing the recession of the recent period would have been just as happy with a 2009 format to pass this difficult economic time frame once again. Surely as a big follower to P1 I am the least to be angry, but I also think the competing teams deserve better respect to this. The teams who where preparing for the season challenges like Lucas Oil who bought a new boat the fall of 2009, or the Chaudron family who rumours is they are finishing a new Evolution boat, or the entry of the official Pantera racing squad with a newly 41 feet Supersport, and any other team who was going to participate to this year season etc etc. May be an announcement like this should have been made to the least at the end of 2009, not just a month before the races where supposed to start in Ukraine.

www.powerboatp1.com

Powerboat P1 - Sicily GP, SNAV OSG & Seagull Chaudron 2009 Champions

SNAV OSG and Seagull Chaudron were crowned Powerboat P1 World Champions for 2009 after Sunday’s sizzling season-finale at the Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea in Siracusa. The race for Evolution and SuperSport gold went tantalisingly down to the wire with both class champions having to wait until round ten’s checkered flag to finally toast victory. Triumphant Evolution Class pilots Giancarlo Cangiano, Giovanni Carpitella and Hannes Bohinc have rarely been matched on the waters this season, winning exactly 50% of the races and claiming a podium finish in all but two in 2009. Heading to Siracusa needing to overhaul Racing Silverline’s 75-point lead, Messrs Cangiano and Carpitella backed up Saturday’s Sprint victory with second place during Sunday’s Endurance Race to finish runners-up in the overall Grand Prix of the Sea and consequently pip the British team at 2009’s final hurdle. One half of this year’s silver medalists, Jan Falkowski complimented OSG for their efforts, agreeing that the best team won overall.

Angelo Tedeschi cemented his place amongst the powerboat racing greats after scoring his third consecutive SuperSport Class World Championship title. The Italian, who has been part of Powerboat P1 since the first-ever race in Italy seven years ago, attributed their season’s success to the team’s consistency and diligent preparation. The Ukrainian Spirit’s victory was also a feather in the cap for Ilmor Engines, and the Chaudron 41 feet powerboat, who like Tedeschi, claimed their third successive championship.

Evolution Race 10

The Belgian 33 Furnibo boat took the chequered flag in the Endurance race at the Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea, but it was 88 SNAV OSG who dramatically took the Powerboat P1 World Championship title in the final race of the season. Needing to merely complete the 76.59 nautical mile course as the team were already expected to claim an additional 50 points for reliability Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella understandably drove a cautious race in order to protect their points haul. Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer in their Fountain Furnibo hull took charge of the race from the start lap and proceeded to dominate matters for the entire 15 laps, recording a top-speed of 110.1mph in the process. Their maximum points total ensured Colpin and Hemelaer finished the season in third place in the overall standings following the untimely withdrawal on lap nine of the 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits boat. Despite their approach, Cangiano and Carpitella were never in danger of relinquishing second place and ultimately the Championship. After another display of raw pace on the start lap, the Searex Racing Team's 66 Cranefields Wine boat saw them vie for the leadership of the race. Sigi Greve and Gino Passchier were passed on the second lap by 53 Metamarine and eventually forced to retire on the tenth lap owing to more technical difficulties. For Drew Langdon and Jan Falkowski, who had led the Championship since Istanbul in June, it was heartbreak as the race proved one too many as the 47 Silverline boat finished sixth. 10 Cigarette Smash Poker did not make the start line owing to engine problems. Cigarette also got penalised yesterday 200 plus 90 points for a breach in the power to weight ratio.

Supersport Race 10

A second place finish proved enough for Tedeschi and team-mates Aaron Ciantar and Viktor Shemchuk as the challenge of 38 Baia Attolini bravely faded at the final hurdle. Starting the Endurance contest 11 points clear of Stefano Acanfora, Roy Capasso and Renato Guidi, Seagull drove a risk-free race to ensure the title stays with Tedeschi and his team for at least another 12 months. It was 26 Team SW1 Capital who continued their sensational run of end-of-season form as Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins made it back-to-back double Grand Prix of the Sea victories. The British-born team led the 71.76 nautical mile race from the outset and were seldom threatened by their open-canopy rivals, a result which sees them move into third above non-starters 17 Spirit of Belgium. Baia Attolini finished the 14 lap race in third place despite incurring a one minute penalty for overspeeding while PowerPole sitters 44 Iko Casa ended the season with a hard-earned fourth place. 22 Big Sergio finished fifth and 28 Blue Shaft was forced to retire with an unspecified technical problem. The sun has set on Sicily and a landmark 2009 year for Powerboat P1.

RESULTS:

Evolution Endurance Race

1. #33 Furnibo 00:56:45.56
2. #88 SNAV OSG 00:58:15.66
3. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 00:58:29.63
4. #47 Silverline 00:56:45.83 - 4 laps
5. #66 Cranefields Wines 00:40:20.36 RETIRED after 10 laps
6. #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:31:55.22 RETIRED after 8 laps
7. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker DNS

Supersport Endurance Race

1. #26 Team SW1 Capital 01:01:16.83
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 01:01:23.08
3. #38 Baia Attolini 01:02:24.60 includes 1 min overspeeding penalty
4. #44 Iko Casa 01:03:00.90
5. #22 Big Sergio 01:02:17.42 - 1 lap
6. #28 Blue Shaft 00:37:58.55 RETIRED after 8 laps
7. #17 Spirit of Belgium DNS

2009 Final Standings

Evolution Class
1 #88 SNAV OSG 811 pts
2 #47 Silverline 785 pts
3 #33 Furnibo 560 pts
4 #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 491 pts
5 #53 Metamarine Pignolo 365 pts
6 #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 342 pts
7 #66 Cranefields Wine 205 pts
SuperSport Class
1 #43 Seagull Chaudron 977 pts
2 #38 Baia Attolini 957 pts
3 #26 Team SW1 Capital 733 pts
4 #17 Spirit of Belgium 646 pts
5 #44 Iko Casa 597 pts
6 #28 Blue Shaft 428 pts
7 #22 Big Sergio 346 pts

www.powerboatp1.com

Powerboat P1 - Sicily GP, Sprint Race Contenders Make It Closer

SNAV OSG closed the gap to just 35 points in the Evolution Class after a barn-storming win in Saturday’s Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea Sprint Race which saw arch-rivals and fellow title contenders Silverline cross the finish line in a lowly sixth position. The result leaves the World Championship on a knife edge in the closed-canopy category which promises to deliver a dramatic climax to the Powerboat P1 World Championship 2009 season in Sunday’s Endurance Race. Cranefields Wine roared into an early lead on the opening lap reaching speeds in excess of 115mph but as in PowerPole, the Germans suffered engine problems and were forced out of the race early. From there, the sleek Outerlimits hull, piloted by Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella, raced into the lead before powering home to claim victory in the penultimate race of 2009, keeping their hopes of a championship crown very much alive. Cigarette Smash Poker’s Luca Formilli Fendi and Matteo Nicolini retain a fighting chance of winning the World Championship title after finishing second ahead of Belgium’s finest, Furnibo. Marco Pennesi steered the returning Metamarine Pignolo into a respectable fourth, one place ahead of Lucas Oil, who were some way ahead of the Silverline British duo, Drew Langdon and Jan Falkowski. In the SuperSport Class the title will go down to the wire as Baia Attolini claimed second spot and are now only 11 points behind current leaders Seagull Chaudron who ended the race in fourth. Team SW1 Capital roared home to their third consecutive victory, marking a remarkable debut for team sponsor-come-navigator Simon Luhr. Italian entry Saho, were responsible for keeping the contenders to the SuperSport title apart by taking a third place finish, however, as a wild card entry they received no championship points and Seagull Chaudron were promoted to a third place finish ahead of the all-female crew of Ikocasa. Last over the finishing line were Federico Montanari and Alfredo Zanardo in Blue Shaft, with fellow Al & Al team Big Sergio and the Sprit of Belgium boys both failing to register any points as neither boat completed the race.

RESULTS:
Evolution Sprint Race
1. #88 SNAV OSG 00:35:55.70
2. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:37:03.68
3. #33 Furnibo 00:37:11.70
4. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 00:37:22.20
5. #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:36:13.56 - 1 lap
6. #47 Silverline 00:41:59.00 - 2 laps
7. #66 Cranefields Wines RETIRED
Supersport Sprint Race
1. #26 Team SW1 Capital 00:36:39.40
2. #38 Baia Attolini 00:37:02.38
3. #43 Seagull Chaudron 00:37.10.45
4. #44 Iko Casa 00:37:35.13
5. #28 Blue Shaft 00:39:01.54
6. #17 Spirit of Belgium RETIRED after 3 laps
7. #22 Big Sergio RETIRED after 2 laps

www.powerboatp1.com

Powerboat P1 - Sicily GP Power Pole Furnibo & Iko Casa Fastest

The Powerboat P1 world title contenders did little to ease tension ahead of tomorrow’s Sprint Race as Seagull Chaudron and Baia Attolini were pipped to the post in the SuperSport Class PowerPole by the ladies from Ikocasa.
In waves estimated to be in excess of six feet, Scandinavian Grand Prix of the Sea Endurance Race winners, Furnibo, topped the bill in the Evolution Class qualifier as World Championship hopeful’s SNAV OSG suffered a cracked hull in practice. Current championship leaders Silverline lost power on their final practice lap and as a result neither team was able take to the waters for the critical qualifying session.
All-female outfit Ikocasa put the recent disappointments in Italy and Sweden behind them to claim top spot, coming home by over five seconds ahead of fellow Chaudron manufactured Seagull Boat. The Ukrainian Spirit recorded a time 10 seconds ahead of all-Italian rivals, Baia Attolini, in the Donzi Marine hull.
In the Evolution Class only the returning Metamarine Pignolo and Furnibo recorded qualifying times. Elsewhere Cranefields Wine managed to fire their engines but their miserable sequence of bad luck continued as they suffered another technical fault and had to return to the pits.

Evolution Results:
1. #33 Furnibo 04:35.33
2. #53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 04:46.63
7. #88 SNAV OSG DNS
7. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker DNS
7. #47 Silverline DNS
7. #66 Cranefields Wine DNS
7. #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits DNS
Supersport Results:
1. #44 Iko Casa 04:44.21
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 04:49.76
3. #59 Saho 04:47.04
4. #38 Baia Attolini 05:00.51
5. #26 Team SW1 Capital 05:01.27
6. #17 Spirit of Belgium 05:26.65
7. #22 Big Sergio 06:08.49
8. #28 Blue Shaft DNS

www.powerboatp1.com

Powerboat P1 - Sicily, Syracuse Preview

The Powerboat P1 2009 Season comes to its final round on the island of Sicily in Syracuse. This year has been characterized by a superb level of competition in both the classes. Another unusual surprise for P1 was the calm waters racing helped also by closed seaway venues as Turkey and Sweden, but also classic rough sea rounds like Malta offered relatively flat conditions. Syracuse and its South Ionian sea are normally associated with very unstable weather patterns, so now its up to see how these turnout.

Evolution Class will be about the hunt for the championship win by second and third standers, 88 SNAV OSG and 10 Cigarette Smash Poker. With 88 SNAV OSG showing good pace in this second part of the season winning three races out of four in the last two venues. Can they reach the reliable but slow 47 Silverline and win the 2009 title? Fourth standers 77 Lucas Oil who after the spin and sinking of the fourty three feet Outerlimits boat in the second race in Sweden, will be using the old 2008 Skater boat. The team did try hard to work it out with the Outerlimits SV40 used for the 2007 season which they did not manage to set up. 33 Furnibo will be looking to repeat there first win of the season in Sweden second race, but surely the Fountain Mercury package is a top runner, and only the missing race in Malta forbid the Belgian team from challenging a title win. 66 Cranefields will be looking to stabilize there package and see where they can improve for the coming year. 53 Metamarine Pignolo after missing in Sweden confirmed they will run in Syracuse. Supersport Class follows the script of the bigger Evolution, but in a tighter package and less points distance between the first and second place. Twenty eight points separate class leaders 43 Seagull Chaudron and second stander 38 Baia Attolini. Will they be enough to give Tedeschi and a 41 feet Chaudron hull there third title? I am sure 38 Baia Attolini after a very convincing and reliable chasing season have other plans. Third placed 17 Spirit of Belgium who made a season of reliability stand in third place, will want to repeat the good pace shown in Sweden and will make all there best to defend the Bronze honour. 26 Team SW1 stand at fourth, although if it was not for reliability and bad luck, the British boat could have easily challenged for the championship of what so far appeared to be the fastest Supersport boat. Female driven 44 Iko Casa will be looking to climb up the charts on the 2007 and 2008 title winning Chaudron hull. At the end of the table stand the double team entry of 28 Big Sergio and 22 Blue Shaft, of what was so far has been a very disappointing season from the Naples based outfit. PowerYachtBlog will also be giving daily updates of this enthusiastic last round of the Powerboat P1 season, starting from tomorrow for a Powerpole update, and following the Saturday and Sunday races to announce the winners and losers of the year.

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Powerboat P1 - Sweden GP SW1 Capital Double, SNAV OSG third GP

It was a weekend of difficult racing for P1 in the Sweden Grand Prix, which ended with a spectacular incident to the 77 Lucas Oil on the Sunday Endurance race in Evolution. The violent barrel roll to the Outerlimits boat thankfully resulted again in only minor injuries to pilots Nigel Hook and Joe Sgro. This is the second major incident of the season, altough this time the 77 Lucas Oil unlike the 53 Metamarine Pignolo has been declared total loss. Many teams complained at the difficulty of this course saying there was no place to overtake and too much curves. Among the complainers was the barrell rolled 77 Lucas Oil as well as Supersport title winners 43 Seagull Chaudron. In Evolution class the hunt to catch class leaders 47 Silverline continues and 88 SNAV OSG seems to have got closer thanks to a win and a second place. Supersport class finally gave full showing of 26 Team SW1 Capital speed, with the British team being second to make a full double win in a Grand Prix this year, after 88 SNAV OSG achieved this in San Benedetto del Tronto. 38 Baia Attolini who waited a month to make the hunt to 43 Seagull Chaudron surely would have gone out dissapointed as they lost a further ten points due to a speed penalty in the second race. Still the title is within there grasps, and I am sure the Ukranian team can feel the breath of the Italian squad with only a 28 points advantage. Now is for the last two races in a months time in the specatacular Syracuse in the biggest meditterranean island of Sicily, in the unpredictable and often rough Ionian sea.

PowerPole

33 Furnibo boat registered the quickest time in the PowerPole qualifying session making the first foray in the Fountain boat posting a time of 02:39.09. Despite the 10 Cigarette Smash Poker hull setting the early pace, it was the all-Belgian outfit who claimed their first PowerPole of 2009. Hemelaer, stepped aside to make way for van Riet, lavished praise on his compatriot. Hemelaer confirmed he will be returning to the cockpit for Saturday's Sprint race. Evolution-class leaders 47 Silverline endured a qualifying period to forget after sustaining a problem on their lap, but there misfortune were partially capitalised upon by Championship challengers 88 SNAV OSG took the second quickest time. 66 Cranefields Wine and 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits also failed to register a qualifying time after picking up technical problems. In SuperSport 38 Baia Attolini sounded a warning to the 43 Seagull Chaudron after recording their second-straight PowerPole after a devastating qualifying lap in Sweden. As a result of the 03:10.02 lap secured the Italian team consisting of Acanfora, Renato Guidi and Roy Capasso will have first choice of lane for the tricky Gothenburg course. And Acanfora believes the result heaps pressure to the Seagull hull. The current World Champions in the Seagull Chaudron registered the second fastest time, finishing just over a second behind the front-runners. British team 26 Team SW1 Capital complete the top three after a solid qualifying session which saw them record an average speed of 75.87mph across the 4.09 nautical mile course. 17 MasForce and 22 Big Sergio were fourth and fifth fastest. 28 Blue Shaft were unable to complete its lap due to technical difficulties while engine failure put paid to the hopes of the all-female 44 Iko Casa.

Evolution Race 7

Fans turned out in their thousands in Langedrag to watch 10 SNAV OSG take their third consecutive victory and narrow the gap at the top of the Powerboat P1 World Championship Evolution-class standings. It was heartache for PowerPole sitters 33 Furnibo boat after an engine blew, denying them the opportunity to complete the start lap and ultimately cost them the chance to challenge for the overall title. A pacy opening lap saw 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits boat post the quickest time and open a considerable lead over in-form SNAV OSG, 66 Cranefields Wine and 10 Cigarette Smash Poker. However, the American boat slowed up noticably during the sixth lap of the 48.84 nautical miles course to allow first, SNAV OSG's and then Cigarette Smash Poker, to pass without a challenge. By then, 33 Furnibo who earlier threatened an upset to take their first win of the season after a lightning start had been forced to retire from the race after the engines in the Cranefields Wine boat shut down at the beginning of the fourth lap of the race. Championship leaders 47 Silverline eked out another 73 points after finishing fourth, capitalising on the the misfortunes of Furnibo and Cranefields Wine.

Evolution Race 8

A drama-filled Endurance race in the Evolution-class eventually saw 33 Furnibo claim its maiden victory of the 2009 season. After 10 laps of the 19 lap race, the Belgian crew of Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer held a six-second lead from the 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits boat. However, the Lucas Oil boat, with Nigel Hook and Joe Sgro on board, barel-rolled the hull in front of the watching spectators to force race control to enforce a red flag. Upon resumption and with the race shortened to seven laps, PowerPole sitters Furnibo held off the challenge of SNAV OSG Outerlimits boat to secure maximum points. The 10 Cigarette Smash Poker boat took the final podium spot ahead of Championship leaders 47 Silverline, who haul another 73 points which move a step closer to securing the title in their maiden season in the Evolution-class.

SuperSport Race 7

The MAS FORCE SPIRIT OF BELGIUM team were delighted to be second in a race that stressed tight turns and attentive driving. The team's Mercury-powered 38' Nor-Tech took advantage of a slight error on the very fast Italian BAIA ALTOLLINI team, made a tactical turn and forced the Donzi to the outside and took over second in the ninth of ten laps. It was a tough shot for the Italians who had fought back and forth with their fellow 38 ZR Donzi British SW1 CAPITAL team for first and second place in the early laps. But SW1 Capital were not to be denied today and took a commanding lead from the third lap on. Though wakes from commercial vessels were not a factor, a police boat caused a wake that caught SW1 CAPITAL by surprise and gave the BAIA team a chance to pass them in the beginning of the race. Others were not so pleased with the course. Current World Champions from the SuperSport SEAGULL, SPIRT OF THE UKRAINE, a 41' Ilmor-powered Chaudron that never broke out of its fourth place, said the course was not very idle for them.

SuperSport Race 8

26 Team SW1 Capital continued its dominance of the SuperSport class at the Scandinavian Grand Prix of the Sea to post its second race win. A drizzly Gothenburg failed to dampen the spirits of the all-British crew as they led the 77 nautical mile race from start to finish to claim 100 points and cap a perfect weekend. Title rivals 38 Baia Attolini and 43 Seagull Chaudron were involved in a monumental tussle for second place on the tight Stena Curve at the North East of the racecourse on the start lap. It was a battle ultimately won by PowerPole sitters Baia Attolini as they sensationally blocked the World Champions from taking the inside line to take second place a position they would not relinquish for the remaining 18 laps to close the gap at the top of the SuperSport standings by another nine points. The lack of rough waters prevented the 17 Spirit of Belgium from maintaining a genuine challenge for leadership of the race eventually succumbing after encountering technical difficulties. Team Al and Al's 28 Blue Shaft were forced to retire seven laps into the race after taking on water while 22 Big Sergio were forced to pull out two laps later. Local wild card entry 82 Goldfish finished the race in a creditable fourth.

RESULTS

EVOLUTION CLASS SPRINT
1 88 SNAV OSG 00:33:05:34
2 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:33:05.34
3 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:35:08.37
4 47 Silverline 00:33:39.09 -1 lap
5 66 Cranefields Wine DNF
6 33 Furnibo DNF
EVOLUTION CLASS ENDURANCE
1 33 Furnibo 00:45:28.10
2 88 SNAV OSG 00:46:57.20
3 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:48:06.08
4 47 Silverline 00:50:07.64 -1 lap
5 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits DNF
6 66 Cranefields Wine DNF

SUPERSPORT CLASS SPRINT
1 26 Team SW1 Capital 00:35:33.00
2 17 MasForce 00:35:59.88
3 38 Baia Attolini
4 43 Seagull Chaudron 00:36:09.88
5 22 Big Sergio 00:37:38.67
6 82 Goldfish 00:38:11.30
7 28 Blue Shaft 00:36:44.23
8 44 Iko Casa DNS

SUPERSPORT CLASS ENDURANCE
1 26 Team SW1 Capital 01:00:49.63
2 43 Seagull Chaudron 01:01:24.70
3 38 Baia Attolini 01:03:33.66 +02:30.00 Penalty
4 82 Goldfish 01:02:14.55 -1 lap
5 17 MasForce 01:04:26.28 +03:00.00 Penalty
6 22 Big Sergio 00:30:32.86 -3 laps
7 28 Blue Shaft 00:26:19.27
8 44 Iko Casa DNS

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Powerboat P1 - Sweden, Gothenburg Preview

The fourth and penultimate grand prix of the sea for the P1 season goes to Sweden in Gothenburg, what is so far a very competitive year for the series in both of the classes the Evolution and Supersport. The Swedish state is a new venture for P1 making its way to the Nordic sea, in the city Gothenburg, Sweden second largest city with a population of 500.000 persons.

The Evolution surprise continues and after two fantastic Italian home wins for 88 SNAV OSG, the lead is still in the hands of not so fast but reliable British team 47 Silverline. Following these two is the ultra performing 10 Cigarette Smash Poker. 77 Lucas Oil will want to put asleep the Italian Grand Prix bad luck where a broken propeller meant game over, but Hook says he has the faster boat and I am sure will make all possible to show this and win the much wanted P1 title. 33 Furnibo are in fifth place, but everyone is sure that a winning is very possible by the Fountain boat, after its great racing in Turkey. Last places to the not so reliable 66 Cranfields Wine, and to the 2008 runner up boat 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53. Still the SeaTek diesel powered Metamarine showed some of its 2008 speeds clinching a Power Pole in Italy, although shorter courses this year versus 2008 are a bit of a disadvantage for diesel power.

Supersport Class continues the tight competition, but the last Grand Prix in Italy won by 38 Baia Atolini showed that the title race is between 2008 winners 43 Seagull Chaudron, and the Italian race winner. Yes only nineteen points divide the two boats, so we are sure to see a super end of the season for a battle in these last four races between these two teams, where a win or loose can make all the difference. Third placed in the chart is Belgian team 17 Mas Force who with there moderate speeds and extreme reliability did two podiums so far, although they think if conditions would have got more rough they have the boat to the trouble the leaders. Double title winning boat, but lady driven in 2009 44 Iko Casa stands at fourth place. Unlucky but fast 26 Team SW1 Capital are at fifth. Last places for the two Italian boats of Team Al & Al, with sixth place for the slower but reliable diesel powered 28 Blue Shaft, and last seventh place for the fast but unreliable 22 Big Sergio. Still Supersport Class unlike the bigger Evolution Class has been very reliable this season, with a minimum of five boats out of seven always finishing the races.

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Powerboat P1 - Sicilian Venue Confirmed

Powerboat P1 announces that Syracuse (Siracusa), Sicily will host the 2009 season finale on September 11-13, replacing Bahrain as the year's World Championship race. After a 5-year absence, Powerboat P1 will head back to the Mediterranean's largest and southern most island which dates back over 2,700 years to 734 BC. Its reputation and rich history as a leading city of the Greek, Roman and Byzantine empires, has endowed the city with a diverse and beautiful architecture and culture. The city of Syracuse offers excellent tourism opportunities for fans to explore its archaeological sites as well as the scenic island of Ortygia. Charming pizzerias, seafood restaurants and fine wines are among the area's tourist attractions. Its location on the Ionian Sea, between the Mediterranean to the west and the Adriatic to the East will offer racers a challenging offshore course. Bahrain has been cancelled as a request by the teams to manage costs as much possible, mostly because of the negative economic down turn hitting the globe in the last year.

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Powerboat P1 - Italian GP SNAV OSG Baia Attolini All Italian Job

Lightning fast SNAV OSG stormed to the overall Powerboat P1 Italian Grand Prix of the Sea Championship in San Benedetto del Tronto after the all-Italian outfit followed up Saturday’s stunning Sprint Race victory with an emphatic Endurance Race win on Sunday. Racing in the face of turbulent weather and with UIM President Raffaele Chiulli among the thousands watching, the triumphant team beat the attrition epidemic that struck all but three of the Evolution Class powerboats to secure their first championship of the 2009 Powerboat P1 World Championship. SNAV OSG still trail Silverline by a staggering 119 points in the overall Evolution Class World Championship standings with the British-based team claiming the second spot on Sunday’s podium just ahead of Belgian outfit, 2B1 Furnibo. SuperSport victors Baia-Attolini ensured the Italians dominated the race weekend after breaking their winning duck in this year’s open-canopy class. Powerboat P1’s oldest statesman Renato Guidi celebrated a perfect birthday present collecting the overall Grand Prix of the Sea trophy alongside euphoric teammates. The thrilled trio closed the gap on SuperSport Class championship leaders, Seagull Chaudron, to 19 points with four rounds to go chasing the World Champions in Gothenburg, Sweden in August. Fourth place during Sunday’s Endurance Race scored Spirit of Belgium their first Powerboat P1 World Championship podium of 2009. Fairing marginally better than their Evolution peers, only two hulls failed to cross the finishing line with championship hopefuls, Ikocasa and Team SW1 Capital suffering from technical problems.

PowerPole

San Benedetto’s home town hero Marco Pennesi powered to pole position at the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea on Friday evening. Charging across the sun-drenched Lingomare shoreline, the Metamarine Pignolo 53 powerboat edged out Italian rivals SNAV OSG by 0.6 of a second with Cigarette Smash Poker starting from third in Saturday’s Sprint Race. Baia Attolini ensured an Italian double celebration with the fastest qualifying time in the open-canopy SuperSport Class. The Naples-based team has been threatening a top-placed finish all season and Friday’s pole-finder, albeit at the expense of Team SW1 Capital who suffered a three-minute penalty for missing a buoy, has given the speed-king trio of Stefano Acanfora, Roy Capasso and Renato Guidi a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s Sprint Race.

Evolution Race 5

After jumping out to a significant lead in Evolution Class, 10 CIGARETTE SMASH POKER throttled by Matteo Nicolini and driven by Luca Formilli Fendi, spun their Mercury powered Cigarette in lap six, allowing 88 SNAV OSG, crewed by fellow countrymen Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella to take the lead. The Mercury-powered Outerlimits never relinquished the lead, taking the checkered flag ahead of CIGARETTE SMASH POKER, which recovered nicely but had little time to chase down the new leader. Hometown hero Marco Pennesi, whose Seatek diesel powered 53 METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53 was built in San Benedetto del Tronto, finished third for an all Italian podium. Pennesi's regular throttleman, Max Ferrari was replaced due to a scheduling conflict by Luca Nicolini, brother of Matteo. The Nicolini brothers were born a short distance from the race venue.

Evolution Race 6

Thunderstorms delayed the start and threatened the finish of day-two racing in the Powerboat P1 Italian Grand Prix, but when the checkered flag flew, the Italian 88 SNAV OSG, a Mercury-powered Outerlimits crewed by Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella, added the Evolution Class Endurance Race to Saturday's Sprint Race victory, and captured the weekend's Grand Prix title. While delayed, the race start saw exciting action lining up wide behind the pace boat and crashing in on a right-hand dog-leg turn when the green flag dropped. Belgians Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer in the 33 FURNIBO jumped their Mercury-powered Fountain ahead of the pack, but were forced wide going into the turn by hometown heroes Marco Pennesi and Luca Nicolini's 53 METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53. When the rooster-tails cleared coming out of the first turn, SNAV OSG held first, and never looked back, racing to an easy victory. Close behind them were fellow Italians 10 CIGARETTE SMASH POKER, and 77 LUCAS OIL BUDWEISER, who had worked their Outerlimits with Chief engines from deep in the pack to emerge third. However, entering the first full race lap, LUCAS OIL BUDWEISER came off plane, limping their way through the rest of the race and moving METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53 into third. On the second full lap, CIGARETTE SMASH POKER also dropped off plane, and later dropped from the race, which allowed FURNIBO to move up into third. In lap three, FURNIBO executed another tight turn move on METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53, moving into second, and the three boats held that position, with SNAV OSG opening a wider lead with each new lap. Then on lap 11 of the 13 lap Endurance Race, thick black smoke began pouring from the diesel engines of METAMARINE PIGNOLO 53, and as rain started to fall the Power Pole winner and Saturday's third-place finisher came off plane and completed the race well off the pace. METAMARINE's problems allowed the Brits in the 47 SILVERLINE, who had been crawling through the races both days in order to assure a finish and maintain their standing in the points battle, to move into third. Team SILVERLINE, a Buzzi hull powered by Sterling Marine engines is the only Evolution Class boat to receive a "reliability bonus" of 50 points for having made it through the first half the season using the same set of motors. The bonus points, coupled with their third place finish on Sunday puts SILVERLINE atop the P1 World Championship point standings, despite never having taken a win this season.

SuperSport Race 5

Defending champions Angelo Tedeschi and Aaron Ciantar racked-up another checkered flag in their 43 SEAGULL CHAUDRON, powered by Ilmor. The Mercury-powered Donzi 38 BAIA ATTOLINI, finished second after winning the Power Pole on Friday. Third place saw the all-female team 44 IKO CASA, a similar Chaudron hull as their 43 teammates, only powered by Mercury Racing. The ladies have been delivering consistent performance for Tedechi's Racing Project, and only ten seconds separated the top five teams in SuperSport Class on Saturday.

SuperSport Race 6

Timing is everything, it is said, and that proved true in the second day of the Powerboat P1 World Championship Italian Grand Prix of the Sea at San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. A points tie for the Grand Prix title between 43 SEAGULL CHAUDRON, Saturday's race winner and 38 BAIA ATTOLINI, which took Sunday's checkered flag was decided by the fastest race times, and delivered the Grand Prix SuperSport title to BAIA ATTOLINI's, in the Mercury-powered Donzi. The Italians jumped to an early lead following the start, in which both Evolution and SuperSport classes started together along a wide line before having to cut in for a hard right turn onto the race course. It was a lead they held for the entire race. The all-female team of 44 IKO CASA, a Chaudron hull powered by Mercury Racing were hot on their heels followed by Britian's 26 SW1 CAPITAL. However, SW1 CAPITAL, which has been plagued by problems this season, saw gremlins once again end their race early, allowing IKO CASA's team boss, in the Ilmor-powered 43 SEAGULL CHAUDRON move into third. The race positions never changed, but the ladies were closing the gap on the leaders when rain began falling in lap eight of the 12 lap Endurance race. On the very next lap, IKO CASA came off plane and 17 MasForce, moved their Mercury-power NorTech into third. Then in the final two laps, another two-boat team was able to make a move as 22 BIG SERGIO, were able to overtake MasForce, winning the Italians a place on the Sunday podium. However, MasForce's fourth place finish Sunday and fifth place finish on Saturday provided a points total moving them into third place overall for the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea.

Results

EVOLUTION CLASS SPRINT
1 88 SNAV OSG 00:32:09.89
2 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:32:27.99
3 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 00:33:49.73
4 66 Cranefields Wine 00:39:35.22
5 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:33:13.82 -1 lap
6 47 Silverline 00:41:52.58 -2 laps
7 33 Furnibo
EVOLUTION CLASS ENDURANCE
1 88 SNAV OSG 00:59:14.36
2 33 Furnibo 01:02:03.01
3 47 Silverline 01:00:52.24 -2 laps
4 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 DNF
5 10 Cigarette Smash Poker RET
6 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits DNF
7 66 Cranefields Wine DNF
SUPERSPORT SPRINT RACE
1 43 Seagull Chaudron 00:34:15.53
2 38 Baia Attolini 00:34:17.68
3 44 Iko Casa 00:34:24.07
4 26 Team SW1 Capital 00:34:33.68
5 17 MasForce 00:36:01.21 -1 lap
6 22 Big Sergio 00:37:38.66 -3 laps
7 28 Blue Shaft DNF
SUPERSPORT CLASS ENDURANCE
1 38 Baia Attolini 01:02:53.55
2 43 Seagull Chaudron 01:02:56.75
3 22 Big Sergio 01:03:18.67
4 17 MasForce 01:03:34.87 -1 lap
5 28 Blue Shaft 01:06:28.48 -1 lap
6 44 Iko Casa DNF
7 26 Team SW1 Capital RET

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Powerboat P1 - Italy, San Benedetto Del Tronto Preview

Next and third round for the 2009 P1 season is San Benedetto del Tronto, the city in Marche, Italy, in the province of Ascoli Piceno situated on the Adriatic Sea. San Benedetto is a key fishing port, and one of the main seaside resorts of the renowned Adriatic coast. Powerboat P1 arrived in San Benedetto for the first time in the 2008 season, opening last year calendar and receiving a fantastic reception from power boating fans. This Grand Prix of the Sea in San Benedetto del Tronto will also run in conjunction with the exciting Italian Powerboat Series (IPS).

In Evolution the local fans will surely have there eyes set on local team Metamarine, the company formed by Marco Pennesi in 2001, Supersport Class winner in 2004, and second runner up in 2008. So far 53 Metamarine after a terrific accident in the first round in Malta started the season all uphill, but a positive result in the Turkish Grand Prix second race placing third are showing the goods for this diesel powered boat. High expectations are also expected for the three teams showing big potential this year the 10 Cigarette Smash Poker, 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits, and 33 Furnibo all coming from great racing in Turkey. Evolution Class leader 47 Silverline who are first thanks to there reliability is surely looking for ways to increase also the performance of the boat in order to keep the much sought after leadership. Looking for reliability is also 88 SNAV OSG who came from Turkey disappointed collecting no points and loosing it leadership, because of various technical gremlins. Same story for German team 66 Cranefields Wine who still are looking for the important reliability and speed elements.

Supersport Class is showing that 2009 will be a never ending battle up till the last second. The thinking is that this class this year has five possible winners, with the calmer seas showing fifth place standing but two race winner Team SW1 Capital having that little extra pace. The tie is so close that the division between the first three teams: 43 Seagull Chaudron, 38 Baia Attolini, and 44 Iko Casa are grouped in only a thirty points distance. In this class the reliability price goes to Belgian 17 Mas Force who are placed fourth. The two Al&Al team boats the new 28 Blue Shaft, and 22 Big Sergio are last. Worth to note that Big Sergio showed some great speed potential during the Turkish Power Pole. There is also a wild card from a known face with the 8 Ocean Dragon, Mercury powered Formula hull making its 2009 debut in Italy.

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Powerboat P1 - Turkey GP Cigarette Smash Poker & All Ladies Iko Casa Take Honours

10 Cigarette Smash Poker and 43 Ikocasa have been declared as the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea winners in the SuperSport and Evolution classes respectively. The all-female crew of Shelley Jory and Audrien Ciantar in the Chaudron hull followed Saturday success in the Sprint race by claiming the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea title in SuperSport. Cigarette Smash Poker's victory in Sunday's Endurance race helped the Italian team of Luca Formilli Fendi and Matteo Nicolini take the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea in the Evolution class by one point from rivals 33 Furnibo.
Power Pole
77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits and 26 Team SW1 Capital took pole position, in the Evolution and SuperSport classes respectively, for the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea in Istanbul. Charging head-on into the ferocious Bosphorus current, Lucas Oil Outerlimits pipped the Cigarette Smash Poker hull by less than a second, powering their Chief engine up to speeds of 110mph to guarantee prime positioning for Saturday’s Sprint Race. Clocking a total time of 2:07,77 for their two laps, Lucas Oil Outerlimits pilot Nigel Hook was understandably delighted with the boats performance, erasing the disappointments of the Maltese Grand Prix of the Sea, where the American team’s boat was filling up with water towards the end of the Endurance Race. Equally as satisfied with their efforts after displeasing late drama in Valletta, Team SW1 Capital duo, Kim Collins and Dan Cramphorn, who snuck home in 2:41,01, were very pleased with their start to the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea. Finishing a mere 0.18 seconds ahead of Baia Attolini (2;41.19) in second and with only two seconds separating the top five teams in a closely fought SuperSport class Power Pole.
Evolution Race 3
77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits emerged victorious at the Sprint race at the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea. Driver Joe Sgro and throttleman Mike Fiore were forced to draw upon their countless years of powerboating experience to see off the brave challenge of the Belgian 33 Furnibo, who had threatened a major shock midway through the 10-lap race. A broken sensor prevented the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 from starting the race while previous championship leaders 88 SNAV OSG were forced to retire during the first lap when the belt powering the superchargers snapped. It was at the front where excitement levels peaked as the Furnibo hull, comprising of Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer came within a boat length of Lucas Oil Outerlimits. The assault on Messrs Fiore and Sgro ignited the Americans into action, eventually pulling away from the 2009 debutants. Upon taking the chequered flag, Lucas Oil Outerlimits secured the maximum 100 points on offer, moving them to the top of the world championship standings in the Evolution class.
Evolution Race 4
10 Cigarette Smash Poker re-ignited their Evolution championship ambitions after a comprehensive win in Sunday's Endurance race in Istanbul. The Italian duo of Luca Formilli Fendi and Matteo Nicolini led the 16-lap, 73-nautical mile race from start to finish to move them into second place in the overall championship standings above Lucas Oil Outerlimits. Pre-weekend leaders 88 SNAV OSG again failed to register a point as the boat remained in the wet pits after their mechanics were unable to repair the damage caused in Saturday's Sprint race. To cap a miserable day for the Outerlimits boats, 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits dropped off the pace when well-placed in second with an engine problem. Agonisingly for the American team of Joe Sgro and Nigel Hook, the boat was 100 yards from taking crucial championship points. The 33 Furnibo hull once again impressed with a second runners-up place, just under two minutes ahead of the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53. Indeed, it was the first time Max Ferrari and Marco Pennesi completed a lap this year. Silverline's fourth position was enough to see the Buzzi boat take over as the fourth different leader in four rounds in the Evolution class standings.
Supersport Race 3
Shelley Jory and Audrien Ciantar became the first all-female winners in Powerboat P1 history after stealing victory in Saturday’s SuperSport Sprint Race at the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea in Istanbul. Racing the Chaudron-manufactured 44 Iko Casa hull, Powerboat P1’s first-ever ladies team triumphed at the expense of SuperSport World Champions, Angelo Tedeschi and Aaron Ciantar, following the 43 Seagull Chaudron team’s agonising last-lap overspeeding penalty, which saw them drop from first to fourth in the race standings. Championship rivals 38 Baia Attolini were promoted to runners-up with Belgian boat 17 Masforce celebrating their first podium of the season. However, Friday’s PowerPole pacesetters, 26 Team SW1 Capital, suffered a third-lap retirement after a drive shaft snapped.
Supersport Race 4
Team SW1 Capital wrote their own fairytale story in Istanbul on Sunday with victory in the SuperSport Class Endurance Race at the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea. Having crawled back to the dry pits after snapping a shaft during Saturday’s Sprint Race, Team SW1 Capital staged a miraculous 24-hour turnaround with driver Dan Cramphorn’s brother, Jamie, flying out the necessary spare part from London via Taunton, Somerset to Istanbul in time for emergency overnight repairs. A far happier throttleman, Kim Collins said the Team SW1 Capital duo must be either braver or more stupid than their rivals after romping home by a margin of 44 seconds.
Results
EVOLUTION CLASS SPRINT 
1 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:33:17.97
2 33 Furnibo 00:33:41.16
3 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:34:03.77
4 47 Silverline 00:34:05.57 -1lap
5 66 Cranefields Wine 00:34:42.07 -1lap
6 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 DID NOT START
7 88 SNAV OSG RETIRED
EVOLUTION CLASS ENDURANCE 
1 10 Cigarette Smash Poker 00:54:47.75
2 33 Furnibo 00:55:49.19
3 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 00:57:40.25
4 47 Silverline 00:55:49.85 -1 lap
5 77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits 00:55:53.70 -5 laps
6 66 Cranefields Wine RETIRED
7 88 SNAV OSG DID NOT START
SUPERSPORT CLASS SPRINT 
1 44 Iko Casa 00:36:35.25
2 38 Baia Attolini 00:37:15.52
3 17 MasForce 00:37:20.66
4 43 Seagull Chaudron 00:37:30.29 +1:00 Penalty Included
5 28 Blue Shaft 00:39:34.91
6 22 Big Sergio 00:37:52.34 DISQUALIFIED
7 26 Team SW1 Capital RETIRED
SUPERSPORT CLASS ENDURANCE 
1 26 Team SW1 Capital 01:00:17.59
2 43 Seagull Chaudron 01:01:01.98
3 38 Baia Attolini 01:02:01.98
4 44 Iko Casa 01:01:07.41 +1:00 Penalty Included
5 17 MasForce 01:02:45.39
6 22 Big Sergio 01:03:31.25
7 28 Blue Shaft 01:02:33.47 - 1lap

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Powerboat P1 - Turkey, Istanbul Preview

After 5 weeks since the start of the season in Malta, the Powerboat P1 circus gets into its second 2009 round the coming weekend in the cross cultured Asian European Istanbul, Turkey. Its been a long time coming for the teams especially those showing leading potential. The others who had a disappointing start surely have appreciated this break, and will hope to manage the right set up in order to achieve important points to fight for the title and worry the front runners.

In Evolution 10 Cigarette Smash Poker after doing some testing and modifications will want to show its super speed seen in both races in Malta, with only a spin and water ingress in the engine room during the second race managing to stop what appeared as the fastest boat during racing. Championship leaders Outerlimits boats, 88 SNAV OSG followed by the 77 Lucas Oil will surely have other plans for this. There is also two much expected showings. The first is the second placed from the 2008 season and only diesel boat for this year, 53 Metamarine Pignolo who after a crash during sea trials in Malta is set to prove itself. The rumours where that the time for pole for the 53 boat was four seconds better then the best registered. The other waited return is a Fountain boat 33 Furnibo, with this legendary US builder already taking two P1 Evolution titles in 2007 and 2008. This new Fountain boat is actually a bit longer versus the double title winner and will also have bigger engines with a stern drive set up. Both 47 Silverline, and 66 Cranefields Wine will surely be looking for that extra speed to worry the front runners too.

Supersport Class did return to a competitive edge in Malta. The 43 Seagull Chaudron which is the 2007 and 2008 title winning squad, have been well informed in the first race that 2009 will not be as easy as it was last year, but thanks to a new boat with more powerful Ilmor engines package they still seem to be the favorites. There is two teams who will have a big say for this, both a Donzi 38 boat. One is the 38 Baia Attolini, and the other is new 26 Team SW1 Capital. Both Donzis did finish first in Malta but where put back due to over speeding. The all female 44 Iko Casa, which is the 41 Chaudron 2007 and 2008 Supersport Class winning boat also showed great potential and I am sure this boat still has winning ways in its fiberglass. More to prove for the two boat Italian squad with 28 Blue Shaft and 22 Big Sergio, wanting more speed and in search of more reliability too. The 17 Mas Force will also look for that extra edge in speed to start worrying the front runners and manage to get a podium.

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Powerboat P1 - Malta GP SNAV OSG Seagull Chaudron Win

While the traditionally rough waters surrounding Malta never materialized, the Powerboat P1 season opening Malta Grand Prix of the Sea still provided exciting offshore racing and saw seasoned veterans capture the checkered flag in both Evolution and SuperSport classes, and an impressive showing for American boat and engine manufacturers.

Saturday's Sprint Race and Sunday's Endurance Race culminated in a Grand Prix Evolution victory for the Italian #88 SNAV OSG, a Mercury Racing powered Outerlimits and a SuperSport win for the Italian 43 Seagull Chaudron, the Maltese made hull powered by Ilmor Performance Marine engines. All this after a number of penalty situations which can only be attributed to first race weekend jitters by those involved. Following an impressive Evolution win on Saturday, The Italian #10 Cigarette Smash Poker jumped to an early lead on Sunday, only to see the race end after a violent spin out in the fourth lap that filled the engine compartment with water. The American #77 Lucas Oil/Budweiser, a Chief-powered Outerlimits moved into the lead, but unbeknownst to them, broke a water pick-up line that started filling their bilge. As the water rose, the boat slowed, allowing Saturday's third-place finisher SNAV/OSG to move into first, and ultimately take the checkered flag, followed by Britain's #47 Silverline, a Sterling-powered Buzzi, and the #77. In the end, Lucas Oil/Budweiser and Silverline had a second and third place podium appearance for the Grand Prix. In SuperSport action, Team 26 Racing, following impressive wildcard finishes in 2008, picked through the pack on Saturday, moving from 7th place to second, and finishing first following speed limit penalties imposed on both the #38 Baia Atollini and #43 Seagull Chaudron. On Sunday, Seagull Chaudron, and the #44 Iko Case, another Chaudron hull with the female team of Shelly Jory and Adrienne Ciantar, whose family manufacturers the Chaudron hull and whose brother Aaron pilots the Seagull, left the pack at the green flag, but could not hold on as Team 26 made an move on the outside at the mid-way point in the race and never looked back. Team 26 was followed across the finish line by Seagull/Chaudron and Baia Atollini, a Donzi/Mercury package. However, the rookie team of Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins fell victims to the same rule that moved them up on Saturday and were penalized four minutes for violating the speed limit. After penalties, the endurance race win to Seagull Chaudron, with Baia Atonelli finishing second and the ladies of Iko Case taking third.

After all the sorting out was completed, the Supersport Grand Prix of the Sea ultimately went to Seagull Chaudron, with Baia Atollini taking second and Team 26 Racing finishing third. The World class racing of the Powerboat P1 Championship next move is to the historic new venue of Istanbul, Turkey, June 19-21 before moving on to Sweden, Italy and Bahrain. Additional good news for P1 also came during the opening race confirming San Benedetto del Tronto for the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea on the 3 to 5 July, and if the racing in September in Sicily will be confirmed this will make it for 12 total races in six different venues for the 2009 season, hoping this serves to encourage more teams to participate in both classes.

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Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Endurance Race

Maltese hero Aaron Ciantar was the hero of Valletta on Sunday night after the 43 Seagull Chaudron hull triumphed in Sunday’s second round Endurance Race to earn the new Ukranian Spirit Team its first Grand Prix of the Sea trophy. Cheered on by a great number of local fans, the pair continued their dominance of the SuperSport Class following Team 26 Racing’s four-minute penalty for over-speeding. The raw British pair of Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins were inconsolable at the post-race presentation having to look up to the home favorites instead of celebrating a debut Grand Prix series win. Benefiting from Team 26 Racing’s over-eagerness on lap four (twice) and lap six, 38 Baia Attolini were promoted to second spot in the race and ultimately in the overall standings. Aaron’s sister and co-pilot Shelley Jory took the bronze medal in the Endurance race, in their 44 Iko Casa P1’s first all girl team.

In the Evolution class 88 SNAV OSG proved to be the model of consistency as the crew of Giancarlo Cangiano and Hannes Bohinc claimed the Endurance race honors. Profiting from 10 Cigarette Smash Poker’s third lap retirement, courtesy of the Italian team’s crazy spin-out at the East end of the course, SNAV OSG romped home ahead of 47 Silverline and mid-race pacesetters, 77 Lucas Oil Budweiser, even affording the unusual luxury of dropping their speed to around 70mph with two laps to go, safe in the knowledge that victory was assured. Engine problems meant 66 Cranefield Wines failed to make the starting line whilst the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 did not race also today after Friday’s incident in practice.

SuperSport Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #43 Seagull Chaudron 1:04:40.70
2. #38 Baia Attolini 1:05:44.27 includes 1:00 penalty
3. #44 Iko Casa 1:05:49.43
4. #22 Big Sergio 1:07:11.14
5. #17 MasForce 1:08:03.89
6. #26 Team 26 Racing 1:08:14.19 includes 4:00 penalty
7. #28 Blue Shaft 59:06.10 retired after 10 laps

Evolution Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #88 SNAV OSG 1:00:25.15
2. #47 Silverline 1:04:47.00
3. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser NO TIME retired after 11 laps
4. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker RETIRED after 3 laps
5. #66 Cranefield Wines DID NOT START

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Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Sprint Race

It was the opening race of the 2009 Powerboat P1 Season, and the eight months of waiting could have not been more gratifying for the millions of fans of this motor sports. First lets start with the winner of today's race in Malta which was of super domination in the Evolution Class, by the 10 The Fantastic 1, and full of surprises in Supersport with 26 Team 26 Racing finding themselves in first thanks to a four minute penalty handed to 38 Baia Attolini. The Evolution Race really finished as it started, with the 10 The Fantastic 1 looking more like doing a race with its own. Thinking that yesterday they did not even participate to the Power Pole because of problems to one of the engines all what was shown by Cigarette Racing Team Europe was impressive. In second 77 Lucas Oil did a good performance following there same place at the super pole yesterday. Nigel Hook Racing looked close to offer a fight in the early stages of the race with the winning number 10 boat, but the speed of the Cigarette was over whelming. 88 SNAV OSG settled third, 47 Silverline fourth, and 66 Cranefields Wine placing fifth. As expected the damaged 53 Metamarine Corse Pignolo 53 did not participate after yesterday accident during sea trials. Supersport Class, was back again to competitive edged racing. There was some nice racing here, with the first half of the race having a tight fight for first place between 38 Baia Attolini and 43 Seagull Chaudron. Still impressing and racing as if there is no tomorrow and climbing up four places was the new 2009 entry 26 Team 26 Racing who running its first lap as fourth ended up in second place, and lastly a four minute three time speeding penalty to 38 Baia Attolini gave them the first place. To appreciate the comeback of Team 26 Racing one has to see the racing. Big disappointment for sure to the 38 Baia Attolini after defending a number of attacks from the the 2008 Championship winners in 43 Seagull Chaudron and finishing officially in fourth place, after receiving over speeding penalties. The penalty to the Baia Attolini team gave to the 2008 title winners with the new 43 Seagull Chaudron second place after ending the race in third. Same story for 17 Mas Force Spirit of Belgium who will sure be happy of there third place. Also a 4:30 of penalty to the 2007 and 2008 title winning Racing Project 44 Iko Casa now all female driven boat, which put them back to only one step in fifth position. Team Al & AL Racing two boat entry finished both at the end of the line up with a retirement for the old 22 Big Sergio boat and a fifth place to the new 28 Blue Shaft.
Evolution Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 34:02.00
2. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser 34:44.00
3. #88 SNAV OSG 35:14.94
4. #47 Silverline 35:08.23
5. #66 Cranefield Wines 35:26.75

SuperSport Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #26 Team 26 Racing 37:20.65
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 37:25.98
3. #17 MasForce 38:57.98
4. #38 Baia Attolini 41:09.00 includes 4:00 penalty
5. #44 Ikocasa 43:49.00 includes 5:30 penalty
6. #28 Blue Shaft 38:50.33 retired after 9 laps
7. #22 Big Sergio RETIRED

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