KennyOffShore

The fourth round of the 2008 Powerboat P1 season provided some of the most spectacular racing of the year--and a unique challenge for the teams and crews with the 40C+ heat and high humidity. The weekend proved an equally popular success off the water, with a series of spectacular after-dark festivities. Several parties were held at Hotel Le Royal including a gala and auction to support a local foundation for mentally handicapped children, providing an opportunity for P1 to give back to the community.

“The hospitality and kindness of the people here has been exceptional,” said local organizer Philippe Benhamou. “The commitment of the administration, the Port Yasmine management, the Tunisian national tourism authorities and the local police has been outstanding. This Powerboat P1 event allowed us to mix the traditions of Tunisia with the technology of the championship. Port Yasmine is one of the best ports on the Mediterranean and the very professional people at Chantiers Rodriguez were able to quickly and efficiently repair damaged boats.”

The choppy waters took a toll on many boats and attrition was a decisive factor at this race, but Powerboat P1 CEO Jim O’Toole hailed the support of the Tunisian national and local Yasmine Hammamet authorities as being key to the successful return of the World Championship to the North African coast.

O’Toole further commented: “The team in Tunisia and particularly Ahmed Moametri from the Port Yasmine Marina put together a great weekend. There was an excellent course design, superb facilities and first class tourism infrastructure – all the things we need to deliver a world-class sporting and entertainment event. We also received a very open welcome from a country of incredibly warm people. All of the Powerboat P1 teams were delighted with the experience of racing in Tunisia.”

After the racing action this weekend, in Evolution class, the Ilmor-powered Fountain World Wide 1st4boats.com maintained its first-place points standing, despite its mechanical gremlins in the second race. The Mercury Racing-powered Kiton Outerlimits holds second place, followed closely by the diesel-powered GFN Gibellato in third. In SuperSport class, Conam Yachts holds a commanding lead, with VoomVoom.com in second and Baia High Performance in third. Both Conam and Baia run Mercury Racing engines while VoomVoom.com is diesel powered. Powerboat P1’s new power-to-weight ratios have levelled the playing field for all sized and powered boats.

The Powerboat P1 World Championship moves next to Vigo, Spain, then to Portimao, Portugal both in September, with the final race of the Championship in October in Manama, Bahrain. Some P1 teams will also participate in the historic Cowes-Torquay-Cowes event in August. Though it is not part of the Championship, P1 supports the return of this endurance race as part of its season and its loyal fan base in the UK.

For more news, photos and updates on the World Championship, visit www.powerboatp1.com.