Under the patronage of the Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Fujairah International Marine Club was the stage of the Final Round of the 2023 UIM XCAT World Championship. The 3 day event was a culmination of a thrilling season and until the last day the teams battled it out for pole position and for the ultimate prize of being crowned World Champions.
Day 1 saw the teams battle it out for pole position with Team GB taking the top spot for the first race of the weekend. On this day it was also a chance for the teams to come together and enjoy a boat parade allowing the local community to be part of this fantastic event.
On day 2 the action revved up as it saw the first race of the season with 8 teams battling it out on the race course to gain valuable points going into the final day. Team GB, having secured pole position on day 1, led from the front and never looked in danger of giving up their lead. Behind them, there was plenty of action as the other teams fought tight to secure the remaining podium positions and championship points.
On day 3 Team GB once again took pole position for the final race of the season with Team Fazza following close behind. In the first lap, team Fazza managed to overtake team GB and went first until they were struck by engine failure, allowing Team GB to take back the lead and eventually won the race and crowned their season with the 2023 UIM XCAT World Champion title.
The powerboat racing weekend had all what makes this sport so appealing: team spirit and resilience at all times, great crowds cheering and supporting the Teams racing in Fujairah. The atmosphere was electric throughout the weekend which ended with a nail biting final race in front of crowded stands.
After this Finale, Team GB walk away as the new champions and with their manager winning the coveted award for manager of the year, and they will enjoy the break before coming back to the Emirates for the Opening Round of the new season to defend their title.
From left to right: Ahmed Alblooshi, Director of FIMC and UIM YDC Chairman, Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, UIM President and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi
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