New Chaudron unveiled

Aaron Ciantar and Victor Shemchuk yesterday unveiled the new Ukrainian Spirit Chaudron powerboat on which they will be making their Evolution class debut in this year's P1 world championship.

For Ciantar and Shemchuk, winners of the 2009 Supersport title along with former partner Angelo Tedeschi, the launching at Bulebel marked the start of a new venture in their careers as they will be looking to leave their mark in the 2010 championship on board the 41-foot racer, designed and constructed by Ciantar and his father Charlie.

"After months of hard work we have finally completed our new boat for the 2010 championship," Ciantar told those present for the launching including Finance Minister Tonio Fenech and Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli.

"The Evolution class will be a new experience for all of us but we are confident that this boat will be competitive. For me personally, this is the first time that I will be racing with Victor as throttleman but I think we only need a couple of races to maximise our understanding."

Shemchuk, who is also the team owner, could not hide his delight as the new silver and yellow boat, sporting the no.55 on its sides, was unveiled.

"This boat is without doubt the most beautiful and the best in the championship," Shemchuk said.

"Charlie and Aaron have done excellent work and I'm really looking forward to the first tests on the water.

"We've started this partnership three years ago and so far we have always kept our promise... this year will be no different. Our objective is to rank among the leading teams in the Evolution class."

The 2010 championship will start in Yalta, Ukraine, on May 9 with Malta set to stage this year's Grand Prix in September.

The championship seriously risked collapsing in the past few weeks when Powerboat P1 promoters pulled out of the organisation, citing financial problems. However, governing body UIM immediately stepped in to take all responsibilities for this year's races.

"The 2010 championship will be under the stewardship of the UIM," Jean-Marie van Lancker, UIM Pleasure Navigation Commission president, told The Times yesterday.

"Powerboat P1 are no longer in charge and will only remain in the organisation as advisors. All races this year will be chaired by the UIM directly."

Van Lancker is already eyeing the opening race of the season.

"For our first round in Ukraine we expect to have 18 teams in both Supersport and Evolution.

"Despite the initial difficulties, the 2010 championship will feature some new venues along with countries like Malta, now a regular fixture in the calendar."