KennyOffShore

The undefeated 2008 Powerboat P1 SuperSport Class Champions will be back in 2009 with a new boat, new engines and flying the flag of a new sponsor--literally.

Team throttleman, Angelo Tedeschi and pilot, Aaron Ciantar recently launched a new Ilmor High Performance Marine-powered, 41-foot, Maltese-built Chaudron hull. The Ukrainian Spirit team christened the #43 Seagull, painting it in the color scheme of the Ukrainian Flag.

Ukrainian Powerboat Federation president Victor Shemchulk told dignitaries gathered at the Chaudron factory in Valetta, Malta, that the new team in part commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first Ukrainian powerboat race held at Odessa in 1909. "Today we witness a prominent event for both Malta and the Ukraine," Shemchulk said, "Our main target is not only to participate in the Powerboat P1 championships, but also to show that in Ukraine there is a generation of politicians, businessmen and sportsmen who are ready to take responsibility for the future of our country and to bring it to European society." Also on hand for the event was Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport, Clyde Puli, Malta Powerboat Federation President, Teddie Borg and UIM Pleasure Navigation Commission President Jean Marie Van Lancker.

Ciantar, whose family owns Chaudron, is a former P1 "Rookie of the Year." Racing with his sister Audrienne, who also works in the family boat-building business, Aaron made his first podium appearance three years ago, finishing third overall in the P1 World Championship. Tedeschi, an Italian, partnered with Ciantar in 2008 to capture his second SuperSport Class title, and the pair were named "Best Sports Team of the Year" by the sports media in Malta.

Malta Powerboat Federation President, Teddie Borg, told the gathering that the team's success with Powerboat P1 has been a huge boost to the boat building industry in Malta, as well as to Maltese tourism and the overall economy. He also announced that Malta will host the 2010 UIM Congress meetings, as well as the opening race of the 2009 Powerboat P1 World Championship, May 8-10.

"We know that the 2009 season will be very challenging and tough as all other teams have made strong investments to improve their boats," said Tedeschi, "This year in Supersport there are at least six boats at same level of performance that can win the title of World Champion." Ciantar, added, "This year, Angelo and I are eager and stronger and even better skilled. We expect this boat to be very good in rough water and the Ilmor engines are very reliable. Ilmor was very helpful and we are going for another successful 2009 season!"