CLASS 1 TO MAKE DEBUT IN CHINA

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San Germano secures another first for UIM World Class 1 Series

David Sewell 19-Jan-13 13:40

The spectacular tropical beach resort city of Sanya, situated on the southern-most tip of Hainan Island, will host the 2013 Class 1 season-opener.

H2O president and organiser of the UIM Class 1 Word Powerboat Championship, Nicolo di San Germanò, confirmed the news of the first Class 1 Grand Prix to be held in China at yesterday’s press conference in Sanya, attended by Wang Da Fu, chairman of Visun Group, Sun Su, Minister of Sanya City, Fan Xiao, Jun Director of Hainan Culture, Raido, Publishing Sport office and Xu Cheng Ling, Vice mayor of Sanya people's government. “It is not often that one can use the phrase ‘history in the making’ but today is such an occasion.” he said. “I am delighted and extremely proud to be here in Sanya to launch the first ever Class 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Peoples’ Republic of China in Sanya, Hainan Province on 28-30 March.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr Wang Da Fu and his exceptional team at Visun Group, the members of the Chinese Motorboat Association and the authorities of Sanya whose vision, commitment and extraordinary support have made the dream of a Class 1 Grand Prix of China become a reality.

“It has been a long and intensive period of discussions and negotiation since Mr Wang Da Fu and a delegation from China and the Visun Group visited their first Class 1 event in Abu Dhabi in 2011. Today we all share in this moment that sees the all the hard work rewarded.

Described as the Chinese Riviera, Sanya is a luxury travel destination with a strong international appeal and a burgeoning tourism industry. “Sanya as a location is truly spectacular and offers everything that we could envisage from a venue, and the plans that Mr Wang Da Fu and Visun Group are putting in place will ensure that the event will be a tremendous success.

“March 28 will be a truly historic day for the sport and its World Governing Body the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), when, for the first time in its nine decade history and over 600 races since Class 1 was officially sanctioned by the UIM in 1964 ten of the World’s most elite and spectacular powerboats will take to the waters of the Sanya River and the South China Sea for the Class 1 Grand Prix of China.”

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I wonder what kind of turnout they will get there? Anyone want to go see a race??????

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What a sweet place to hold a race. Sometimes you learn new stuff...

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NINE BOATS HEADING TO SANYA

Saturday, 23 February:

The nine boats that will line up for the historic first Class 1 Grand Prix to be held in China on 28-30 March are on their way to Sanya.

The vessel loaded six of the fleet in Abu Dhabi last night, calling in at Jebel Ali port to pick up the other three early this morning.

The vessel is due to arrive in Haikou on the northern tip of Hainan Island around 15 March. The boats will then be trucked 300km to the luxury city port resort of Sanya in the south.

The provisional line-up for the season opener:

3 Victory – Al Zaffain/Al Marri
5 Abu Dhabi – Al Tayer/Al Mansoori
7 Victory Australia – Nicholson/McGrath
8 Subseapilot – Bratland/Jacobsen
10 LFFendi10 – Formilli Fendi/Carpitella
23 FA.RO ACCIAI – Gabbiani/Nicolini
74 Poliform – Cappellini/Montavoci
85 Visun-Sanya – TBA
91 Zabo Isiklar – Isik/Zaborowski