KLAIPEDA, Lithuania – The opening round of the 2026 UIM F2 and F4 World Championships in Klaipeda, Lithuania, was a great success, attracting thousands of spectators and delivering high-quality international powerboat racing.
Sweden’s Mathilda Wiberg, who started the F2 race from the pole position, took the top spot on the podium, ahead of Frenchman Peter Morin second and local powerboating figurehead Edgaras Riabko who delighted the home crowd with an impressive third-place finish after starting from sixth position on the grid.
The UIM F4 World Championship provided equally exciting competition. The opening round concluded with a tie for first place, as Adam Wrenkler and Ardis Slakteris each scored 30 championship points, while Jean Baptiste-Thomas completed the podium in third place with 26 points.
The presence of UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli on the race site at the side of Lithuanian Powerboat Federation President Karolis Ramoska lent the Event a special significance and reflects the growing importance of Lithuania and Klaipeda on the international powerboat racing map.
The organization and overall quality of this double UIM World Championship event received positive feedback from teams, officials, partners, and guests, in recognition of the efforts made to deliver a safe, professional, and competitive championship weekend.
Beyond the racing, visitors also enjoyed the Klaipeda Boat Show, the International Maritime Forum, fan engagement activities, and a vibrant festival atmosphere that brought additional energy to the city throughout the event.
The International Maritime Forum provided an opportunity to discuss the future of sport, innovation, sustainability, and the role of powerboating within the wider maritime sector.
Speaking at the Forum, UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli highlighted the sport's unique combination of technology, performance, and environmental responsibility:
"Powerboating is a fusion of science, adrenaline and precision. It is about navigating with a sense of control and mastery, and we as sporting leaders carry the responsibility of sharing our knowledge to protect the environment and guide the next generation. The UIM's commitment to environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in our alignment with the principles of the IOC Declaration on Sport for Nature, of which the UIM is a founding signatory."
The successful delivery of the championships was made possible through the dedication of organizers, volunteers, officials, partners, sponsors, the City of Klaipeda, and the Lithuanian Motorboat Federation. Their collective efforts helped create a memorable experience for competitors, teams, and spectators alike.
With an exciting opening round now complete, the 2026 UIM F2 and F4 World Championship fleets move on to their next destinations, Brindisi (ITA) for the F2, 28th-30th June, and Viverone (ITA) for the F4, 7th-9th August, while Klaipeda leaves a lasting impression as one of the premier venues on the international powerboat racing calendar.