Class 1 Racing - An Introduction

What is Class 1 racing? If you can imagine what Formula 1 might look like on water you'd nearly be there.



Class 1 primarily focuses on international racing events that take place in a diverse range of countries each year. The sport is governed by the World Professional Power Boating Association (WPPA), which is located in Dubai. Previous years' teams include those from England, Spain, Italy, Australia, Qatar, Norway and the United Arab Emirates.



Quoted as being ‘the world’s most rugged ocean race’, Class 1’s roots belong to the renowned Miami-Nassau races that started in 1956. Ideas of powerboat racing were brought to life by American race car promoter Capt. Sherman ‘Red’ Crise and yacht designer, Dick Bertram. The interest generated from the races created a new and dynamic sport which now turns over immense sums of money every year.

The people involved in the races are a major point of interest and are an eclectic mix that has been present since day one. The drivers themselves are often company Directors or CEO’s, paying for themselves and receiving some sponsorship in order to get the appropriate training and certifications so they can risk their lives in each race.



Since the early days this sport has evolved in to an awe-inspiring beast. The quest for higher speeds with more agile craft has resulted in grand technological advances for the boats, engines and transmission systems. Each powerboat has two, 950 hp super-charged Mercury engines which are capable of speeds in excess of 160mph - imagine doing that on the water! The vast advances in technology have resulted in the boats reaching eye-popping speeds and the 100mph mark was first exceeded in the 1980’s.

One can understand why the drivers must conform to such strict training in fitness and safety, governed by international body of power boating; Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

Although team members are rarely killed when the modern-day Class 1 boat’s flip over or spin out, accidents do happen. In 2009 Dubai's 'Victory' boat crashed, killing both drivers. The g-forces involved whilst racing can cause severe bruising and the driver’s often loose consciousness when in an accident.





The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) with advanced composites using Kevlar and carbon fibre has made the boats a lot safer then previous models. In addition to stronger materials and advanced technology, the drivers are strapped securely into body-hugging seats within safety cells beneath Lexan canopies borrowed from the aerospace industry, wearing fireproof overalls.

Although, all these complex changes won’t change one thing; mans ever-advancing battle with the sea.

The team representing Spain is named Duemme Yacht Broker Spain S.L. and the team consists of:
Team Manager: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Cirilli
Driver: Guido Cappellini
Throttleman: Giampaolo Montavoci
Reserve Driver: Domenico Cirilli
Chief Mechanic: Oscar Sikken
Mechanic: Luke Talbot
Truck Driver: Marco Baruffaldi
Logistic Co-ordinator: Marion Fisch


(Guido Cappellini - Driver)


(Giampaolo Montavoci - Throtteman)

The Spanish mean-machine winging its way around the world and competing against other nations is 13.3 metres long and 3.5 metres wide! She is a ceramic design that weighs just under 5,000 kilograms and has a 16 valve, eight cylinder beast of an engine.


(The Spanish team boat (2009) Images above and below taken by author)



By the end of the 2010 Class 1 races, the Spanish team (74 GSG Ceramic Design) finished fourth out of 11 teams, with 95 points. However, Team Fazza (Dubai) cleaned up with 212 points and pole position; their 9th win.

In previous years Class 1 has visited Spain and in 2006, the Spanish team finished in second place at the Gurrucha races in Almeria. Since then the team have travelled to some glamorous destinations such as Dubai, Brazil, Norway, Qatar, Moscow and Egypt. In 2009 a racing event was planned for Alicante, but economic problems resulted in a last minute cancellation of the event; to the dismay of all involved.



The 2011 race schedule will be announced soon and this Blog will be bringing you up-to-date news about the Spanish team, their races, accomplishments and journeys.

The related Tweets by 'costaadventures' are another great resource for those wanting keep posted about this fantastic sport and many other extreme adventures throughout the country.

Resources:
All images courtesy of Class 1, unless specified
For more information: http://www.class-1.com/index.asp