Ukrainian Spirit test new waters

From birth, it is a human quality that when one takes on challenges with enthusiasm these could become opportunities while one who shows an indifferent attitude normally fails to grasp or simply disregard any chance.

Luckily, through sport, I meet more enthusiastic characters whose belief in their ability and aspirations make them pleasant personalities to know and enjoyable talents to watch and follow.

One such person is Viktor Shemchuk, a 41-year-old Doctor of Philosophy in Law by profession, a powerboats aficionado and president of the National Ukrainian Powerboat Federation.

In 2009, he formed a successful partnership with Maltese boat-builder and driver Aaron Ciantar to taste immediate glory in their first P1 Championship challenge with Seagull Chaudron in the SuperSport Class.

In 2010, Shemchuk ordered another 13-metre powerboat, a Chaudron Canopy 41 model with twin inboard 800hp engines to race in Evolution Class. The project was Ukrainian Spirit where Shemchuk, as navigator, and Ciantar, as driver, had quite an interesting season.

The Ukrainian-Maltese partnership have strengthened their affiliation by agreeing to venture outside the Mediterranean and test their driving ability in Super Boat racing in America.

Super Boat racing in the US is organised by the Super Boat International (SBI), the brainchild of John Carbonell who founded the organisation in 1989.

Carbonell has more than 35 years, experience in the sport. In 2011, seven events in seven different cities made up the SBI calendar, a series of events which, over the years, attracted many celebrity racers. It is estimated that events are followed by some 20 million race fans.

Participants in the SBI World Championship are divided into 12 classes and normally about 70 boats compete. Ukrainian Spirit will feature in the Manufacturer Production 1 Class.

In this interview, Shemchuk talks about his forthcoming adventure in the US and beyond.

What made you decide to take part in the SBI Championship?

“All world-famous racers dream of winning this championship. The number of teams increases each year.

“This is the real racing scene as teams from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia are involved.

“John Carbonell conducts the races himself and the calendar is approved for the next three years. The financial part of the teams is not irrelevant. Unlike European promoters, the SBI Productions Inc. does not do business on the teams’ fee.

“I think, we have made the right decision although at one stage, some of our colleagues didn’t understand our move. Time has proved us right though as the championship in Europe has failed and we are actively preparing to race in America.”

Are you aware of other participants taking part in the SBI championship who, like you, also raced in the P1 events before?

“Traditionally, teams from Europe take part in this championship.

“Some of them have several boats – in Europe and the US. The Lucas Oil team will take part and other teams are now shipping their boats to participate in the US. The Al&Al team from Naples will participate with two boats and we shall have two boats as well.

“After the cancellation of the last stages of the OGP Championship was announced, many other teams expressed their wish to compete in Key West. I’m told that more teams are negotiating at the moment.”

Are you confident that Ukrainian Spirit will do well in this new venture?

“We have no doubt about our consistency. We have a strong Ukrainian team supported by credible investors. The infrastructure of the team in the US and assistance of the organisers also give us confidence in a successful presentation.

“Besides, Aaron Ciantar’s return to the team will play an important role.”

What other projects do you intend to undertake through this American connection?

“We have also signed a contract with Super Boat International Productions Inc. to be their representatives in Europe.

“It gives us the right to organise SBI Championships in Europe and provides the guarantees that the races in which the teams invest their hard work and a lot of money will have a perspective.

“Very soon we’ll present our own idea of the races to the teams. We believe they will support us and you can witness a new championship.”

Does Malta feature in your plans for the SBI Championship in Europe?

“Definitely, Malta always has a special place in our plans not only for business development but primarily as a country traditionally strong in powerboating that can hold and organise the championships.

“Undoubtedly, Malta today is the ideal setting for a truly fantastic race – The Millennium Race.”