Inshore powerboat racing
Sheltered-water motorsport raced on looped circuits of buoys.
Inshore powerboat racing is a water-based motorsport conducted on sheltered or inland waters such as lakes, rivers, docks, and sheltered bays. It is frequently called circuit powerboat racing because most races follow a looped course of predetermined laps. International championships are governed by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), while national events are run by each country's powerboat association.
Quick Facts
- Governing body
- Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM)
- Typical course length
- 1.5–2 km / 4,921–6,562 ft
- Maximum typical race duration
- 45 minutes
- Longest endurance race
- 24 Hours of Rouen
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The sport has become very popular in the Persian Gulf region, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
- Many inshore championships use catamaran-style boats, especially at higher levels.
- Lower categories often use traditional V hulls or inflatables for younger pilots to gain experience.
Categories
Numerous categories define competition levels in inshore powerboat racing. The highest levels are designated "Formula" followed by a number, with the principal being the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship. The most common race format uses a two-pin or multi-pin buoy circuit of about 1.5–2 km, with races normally lasting no more than 45 minutes, though endurance categories can be longer, such as the "24 Hours of Rouen". Historically, the OZ, ON, and OE classes were the most prestigious inshore categories before Formula 1 was created. Currently sanctioned UIM Formula categories include Formula 3, which was cancelled after 2004. Non-Formula categories sanctioned by the UIM include GT15, GT30, SST45, SST200, O125, O250, O350, O500, O700, JT250, OSY400, S550, P750, HR850, FR1000, OB2000, OB3000, Endurance S1, Endurance S2, and Endurance S3.
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