Powerboat racing is a type of water-based motorsport which is the fastest, most dangerous and most fascinating of all watersports with vessels able to reach speeds up to 225 kph (140mph). Powerboats race in various classes depending on their engine size and travel around a defined course which can be either circular or point to point. Other races focus on endurance and are designed to test the resilience of vessels and crews. During the races, crashes are rare but can be fatal.
Variants
Powerboat racing is divided into two major categories- Inshore powerboat racing (also known as circuit powerboat racing) and Offshore powerboat racing.
History of Powerboat Racing
Offshore racing was first recognized as a sport in 1904 when a race was held from the south-eastern coast England to Calais, France. After which the sport gained popularity in the US with many races being scheduled after that. Some of the most famous offshore racing competitions are UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship, Venture Cup, Cowes Torquay Cowes, UIM Powerboat GPS World Championship and many more.
Inshore powerboat racing includes racing around a two pin (buoy) or multi-pin circuit of around 1.5-2 km in length and the races vary in duration, mostly not more than 45 minutes but the endurance races can last much longer, such as the "24 Hours of Rouen". The most famous Inshore races are "Formula races" such as the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship and others (belonging to different classes or categories).
