What is Formula Powerboat?
Formula Powerboat Championship also known as F1H2O is worldwide motorboat racing. It is similar to Formula One car racing. It is the most magnificent water sport in the world. F1H2O accelerates faster than the formula cars. It accelerates for 160 kilometers per hour in 4 seconds. No brakes or gears are used in this spectacular challenge; therefore it is considered an ultimate risky sport. The race lasts for a couple of 30 minute races plus two green flag laps following a circuit marked out in a selected stretch of water, usually a lake, river, or sheltered bay. The powerboats can maintain their balance at more than 225 kph. However, one tiny error of judgment would cause a high speed disaster.
History of Formula Powerboat
Formula Powerboat was launched in 1981. Since 1993, Nicolo di San Germano has been responsible for promoting the F1 World Championship and has expanded the sport’s geographical approach and its global stature. In 2008, 11 teams participated and worked with so much effort to make sure that during each Grand Prix their 24 drivers would depend on the latest technology in their race. In 2013, 23 drivers and 9 teams took part in the race with 16 boats. It took around 350 meters with several turns where the boats can reach 250 km/h. Over the last three decades, Formula One powerboats have attracted a worldwide audience of millions.
Safety:
There is a huge difference in terms of general safety and driver’s protection between the 1980s and now. In the past, boats were constructed from thin plywood. They would reach unusual speeds, but the driver sitting in the cockpit was more prone to death or accident.
The racers suffered from tragic accidents that caused fatal deaths, hence a British F1 designer, boat builder and racer, Chris Hodges, said that more time and effort should be devoted to develop the safety measures.
Hodges constructed a safety cell that was produced from a huge strong composite material. Instead of the cockpit being part of the main structure, Hodges’ capsule was separate and was fitted to the hulls and centre section. For the first time, drivers were actually strapped into their seats. The idea was that if a craft was involved in an accident, the timber hulls could break up and absorb the impact forces while the driver remained well protected inside his cell.
Furthermore, several pilots were against this new device but after it successfully proved itself in several major crashes. The UIM insisted for it to be obligatory. In the early 1990s, a British builder, Dave Burgess, introduced canopies that made cockpits fully enclosed. The canopy did protect the driver from the full force of water if his craft nose-dived even though it is not built to resist a major impact.
Over the years, F1 boat construction has been developed and today few craft are built of timber instead of modern compounds. Although powerboat racing is still a dangerous sport by any standards, driver welfare has been improved to such a degree that while craft are still involved in extravagant and horrifying accidents, the unlucky victim usually swims away safely and unharmed.
Light Signals:
In each entry there must be an electronic time-keeping instrument and lighting equipment. Light signals are used in accordance with specific times and give instructions to racers.
Yellow: to reduce the speed to 3000 rpm, to hold current position or follow pace boat.
Red: to slow down and return to the start dock or race is stopped.
White and blue caution flags: used for rescue boats to help drivers with broken boats.
The point system in powerboat varies from 1 to 20 points. Whoever gets 20 points will be ranked first, 15 points for the second rank and 12 points for the third.
P1 AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Powerboat recognizes that their actions have an effect on air, water and the generation of waste, hence they aim not to exceed minimum requirements for environmental code.
UK and USA Powerboat P1 which includes P1 SuperStock and P1 Aqua X and its relevant head office, located in London and Florida applies policies and principles to support the Powerboat P1 to commit the following:
Firstly, they try to meet environmental codes of conduct that report to the company to make sure that their activities will not cause pollution. Moreover, employees, workers, stakeholders and suppliers are aware of the environmental policy to encourage them to handle the environmental responsibility. In addition to this, they reduce waste by upholding reducing, reusing and recycling materials. Regarding the procurement of goods and services, they ensure that environmental criteria are taken into account. When selecting travel and accommodation, they should be sustainable and responsible. Furthermore, they look for plans that will help reduce disturbance to the local environment.
Lap of Honor:
The UMI Formula 1 Championship organization decided to honor certain individuals who had an unusual impact on the sport over the past 50 years. Nicolo Di San Germano, the promoter of the series will announce the plan and take a step to honor and give a credit to these racers for their spectacular achievement and success. .“Our series officially began back in 1981; however, the sport of catamaran racing dates back to the early 1960’s and the sport of power boat racing even farther back beginning in 1903. We want to now begin honoring the people that have paved the way to our success today by honoring special individuals and creating a “Lap of Honor” Trophy. This will open a door and give all race fans an opportunity to learn about the past heros in this sport, while at the same time understanding where the sport has come from and where the sport is heading as we near the close of the first decade of the 21st century. We realize that the sport of catamaran racing goes back almost 50 years and it’s important for us to look at the expanded picture to honor the right people for this “Lap of Honor” said Nicolo. “We are also going to open this up to the fans and give them a chance to vote for their top two choices by putting the ballot on the homepage of our www.f1boat.com website and giving the combined total of recipients 25% of the vote in the process. This gives the fans a chance to put in their voice for the “Lap of Honor” Award to the candidates as well which will make it fun for everyone.” said San Germano.
Championships:
Powerboat P1 championship depends on structuring a wide-based platform ensuring a path for participants and commercial progression and benefits for teams, sponsors, venues, spectators and partners within the sport. It has also changed and repositioned aqua racing to a traditional motorsport model by decreasing entry costs and increasing the participation base at all stakeholder levels. These strategies make boat racing one of the most spectacular and enthusiastic motorsports in the world.
Powerboat organizes two important championships:
· P1 SuperStock Championship – UK, US and UAE (36 teams)
P1 Superstock allows the racers to battle in the water with every turn and wave. It examines the racer’s ability to control the boat through certain conditions. There are 5 rounds in a season and two miles in length and run close to the shore. The teams try to win and overcome all elements just to win the National Championship and get promoted to race in the World’s Championship 2015. The synthesis of these elements creates suspense, dramatic racing and enthusiasm that can vary radically with each lap.
· P1 AquaX Championship – UK, US
AquaX Championship events occur on the sea in contrast to other watercraft competitions. It is made up of 5 events and takes 30 minutes to finish. Due to the changing coastal conditions, the rider’s skill abounds over horsepower, hence it is considered as the most exciting coastal competition. The teams are classified into categories of 200hp, 250hp, 300hp. However, the courses are long in duration but entertaining as it gives the riders the opportunity to show all their skills and apply their outstanding performances on their craft. In addition, it even requires so much effort and physical attendance. However, this race is becoming popular due to its ease, accessibility and low cost of entry.
Conclusion
Powerboat racing is a vital and an important motorsport. It encourages youths to develop general water awareness skills and teaches them how to respect the environment, competitors and racing rules. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of safety and how to be environmentally friendly. It helps you to create relationships from different countries. It is entertaining and creates a suspenseful atmosphere. In the end, this sport should be embraced universally for its outstanding benefits.
