The Powerboat P1 World Championship returns to Malta over the weekend of June 6-8 as the world's fastest monohulls descend upon the island for another weekend of spectacular entertainment, on and off the water.
With a record starting line-up of 24 boats anticipated, and a recent KPMG study valuing the economic impact of the 2007 event at around two million euros, both the viewing public and local economy are set to reap the benefits.
This was said by the UIM sales and marketing director Robert Wicks yesterday during the launching of the Maltese Grand Prix of the Sea at the Valletta Gateway Terminal within the Grand Harbour.
The Maltese GP has traditionally been P1's season opener and taken place in May. The new date increases the likelihood of calmer seas after the forced cancellation of last year's Sunday race while also opening up new opportunities.
This year the season opens on May 9 in Italy and the second stop will be in France on May 23. The final event of the championship will be in the Middle East on October 23-25.
One of the new opportunities, the UIM said, is the availability of land within the Valletta Gateway Terminal to accommodate P1's growing infrastructure.
Another is a new boat show, planned to coincide with the P1 event and situated within walking distance of its pits and paddock.
The UIM said that teams, competitors, organisers and the media consider Malta to be one of their favourite venues. The championship this year marks its fifth consecutive return to the Maltese islands.
"No other host venue in P1 history can make that claim," Wicks said.
Wicks said the study commissioned by Powerboat P1 Management in June last year estimated that around 800 persons visited Malta specifically for the race weekend, with requirements for at least 4,000 hotel nights.
"By impacting on tourism, the Grand Prix of the Sea delivers a tangible, long-term return on investment to all of our venues and Malta is a great example of this trend," Wicks added.
"Most importantly, our TV coverage to a global audience enhances Malta's image worldwide."
Meanwhile, Maltese boat builder, Chaudron Powerboats, will once again play a significant role in the 2008 championship.
Following confirmation that Italian SuperSport champion, Angelo Tedeschi, and his Racing Project team will defend their crown using the 2007 Mercruiser-powered Chaudron 41', the boat will continue to be race-prepared by Chaudron Powerboats whose own championship challenge remains, for the time being, 'under wraps'.
Yesterday, it was learnt that Aaron Ciantar will be pilot for Racing Project team in the 2008 championship.
"We originally started to build another 41-footer to race in P1 knowing that, in the hands of Aaron and Audrien, we would have a strong chance of winning the championship," Charlie Ciantar, owner of Chaudron Powerboats, said.
"However, this would put us head-to-head with Tedeschi who is not just a good customer but also a very good friend. It was a big dilemma, but then we received a firm order for a pleasure version of the Chaudron 41 which we decided to fulfil using the boat already in production.
"It was good business and at the same time ensured that we conformed with P1's new production class regulations. In doing so, it has meant a rethink of our own racing plans for 2008."
The Chaudron boat used by Aaron and his sister Audrien last year was bought by Belgian Benjamin van Riet who will compete in SuperSport.