The Chaudron experience - three years of P1 racing

What's in the name? Well, a name serves as an identity, an opportunity to appraise its potential, which eventually leads to be appreciated or be repulsed by its personality and quality.

Nineteen years ago, a self-motivated entrepreneur took up the challenge to set up a modest family concern, building small boats in the 16- to 22-foot range.

Perseverance and self-confidence brought about rapid success resulting in an expansion of working floor and equipment. Today the production portfolio presents a range from 13-foot pleasure boats to 33-foot offshore racing powerboats with the introduction of the company's flagship, a 41-foot powerboat, only days from nativity.

In 2004 the daring boat-builder made a rational decision of involving himself in international powerboat racing which brought about a new dimension to his outlook, experience, relationship and image.

The name Chaudron today forms part of a particular niche in the powerboat constructors and racing circles which possibly was a vital card to play if one is to attain growth.

I recall last year Gianfranco Rizzardi, a highly-respected name in the boating industry, had this to say about the P1 Championship.

"I think for a boat-builder this type of event presents the ideal opportunity for the study and testing of new technical solutions."

Chaudron is a trade-name derived from three particular names - CHarlotte, AUDrien and AaRON Ciantar - the names of the three children making up the Ciantar family.

Charles, the father, is the mentor behind the business and sport concepts with Aaron and Audrien who not only form part of the production team but are the brother-and-sister racing duo who, over the past three years, represented Malta on the UIM Powerboat P1 World Championships.

Chaudron made its international racing debut in the P1 in May 2004 during the Malta GP. They competed in the Supersport category with a 33-footer powered by two 250 HP Mariner outboard engines maximising 68 mph.

In its first race of the championship, Chaudron placed second, an encouraging 'baptism of fire' in home waters which continued in two other events in 2004 where a third placing was achieved in both the Sardinia and the Catania Grand Prix.

As expected, the main stumbling block in such 'adventures' is the financial burden where the total required funds would be in the region of Lm35,000 - excluding the construction cost of the boat, of course.

On their first P1 turn-out Chaudron did not manage to secure any sponsorships and the whole 2004 campaign resulted in a self-funded participation.

It is only natural that one feels insecure, doubtful and maybe even inferior on one's first attempt at some very special venture. Yet, having tested the 'waters', felt the excitement and experienced both the bitter and sweet taste of a great 'first', the next time around becomes just another challenge like the previous one and the one to come.

So, 2005 saw Chaudron face five of the seven Grands Prix on the year's P1 calendar. Here, the same boat of the previous season was retained, yet refreshed with a pair of brand new 250 HP Mariner outboard engines, having a top speed of 72 mph.

One could say the Maltese powerboat racing protagonists had a satisfactory championship which Aaron described as "good but not good enough". A second placing in Malta, a fourth in Travemunde, a first in Cowes, a third in Naples and a second in Gallipoli. The year's mishap was that overall they "had done well but we had not enough power to challenge the best".

An important enhancement to the Chaudron 2005 P1 participation was the welcoming support from a number of small sponsors and also a major backing coming from Engineering for Science and Industry (Malta) Ltd - which saw ESI Chaudron through the marathon championship.

Season 2006 brought about a brand new boat - a 33-footer same size as before however built in Fibreglass and Resin Isofhtric which gave the hull a lighter but stronger finish. Two powerful Mercruiser 496 inboards were introduced taking the boat's top speed up to 82 mph.

Financial backing

The 2006 P1 commitment also saw a major headway in the securing of a stronger selection of sponsorships. The Casino at Portomaso took prime exposure on the distinctive bright yellow colours of Chaudron as main sponsors.

Other support was extended by Malta Tourism Authority, the Malta Maritime Authority, Air Malta, Eddie Marine, Ravenol, Beta and Sign it.

The Portomaso Chaudron looked ahead with great confidence and determination, pushing for all six events on the 2006 calendar with a conviction that the new and more powerful boat could bring about the much endeavoured success.

Yet, mishaps happen, undoubtedly, part of the surprise element which makes an event unpredictable and thrilling. In both the Malta GP and the British GP, Chaudron started well and had the podium in sight but was forced to retire. A great disappointment indeed when overall the boat was proving most competitive with a first place in Gallipoli, a third in Travemunde, a second in Anzio and a fourth place in Cascais.

Today, after three championship experiences, Aaron and Audrien feel that "the P1 has become an obsession in our life. We work and live for a prime objective - that of keeping fit and to have the boat in tip-top condition for the races."

The 2007 Maltese Grand Prix of the Sea is only a few weeks away. Chaudron are looking ahead to make this Championship their best ever. By the way, which Chaudron?