magazine5_08

July 2008 n. 5

VICTORYTANTALISINGLY CLOSETO SIXTH EUROPEAN TITLE

ARENDALSIMPLY STUNNING

page 2

As part of the Championship’s new initiative – Class 1 for Dhreima – in support of the Qatar Orphan Foundation, and in association with Good Deed, a Charitable Foundation working with low-income Russian Citizens, a very excited group of underprivileged children from a Moscow orphanage enjoyed a memorable afternoon with Class 1.

Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani was the surprise guest who dropped in on their tea-party in the Class 1 VIP hospitality, and afterwards the children were shown around the pits to look at the race boats, meet the pilots and received a host of goodies from Qatar Team members, Matteo Nicolini and Steve Curtis.

SHEIKH HASSAN DROPS IN ON CHILDREN’S TEA PARTY

MOSCOW

T he International Offshore Team Association (IOTA) has joined the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF) in launching “Class 1 for Dhreima” – an initiative to support

the Qatar Orphan Foundation.

Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani, President of the QMSF and IOTA, was instrumental in encouraging Class 1 – a sport in which he has been a leading figure since 2003 – to become an active vehicle to raise awareness of the foundation. “In presenting this initiative I wanted to emphasise how sport, in whatever form or however extreme, can support the values and the importance of the activities of an organisation such as the Qatar Orphan Foundation.”

The association between Class 1 and Dhreima will be developed over a series of activities that will take place at races during the course of the 2008 season, with the purpose of highlighting the activities of Dhreima and finding synergy with similar organisations based in countries that host Class 1 GP events.

The Qatar Orphan Foundation - Dhreima was launched on 10 June 2003 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al-Misnad, Chairman of the Supreme Council. “We in the Qatari Orphan Foundation believe that our community values of solidarity, compassion and cooperation make us truly capable of providing all the support the children need,” said Nabil Ali Bin Ali, Chairman of the Dhreima Board, adding. “And we are extremely happy that the Class 1 Championship has elected to

support the Foundation.”

page 3

TANTALISINGLY CLOSE TO SIXTH EUROPEAN TITLEA win for Victory 1’s Mohammed Al Marri

and Nadir Bin Hendi in this weekend’s Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal, round

four of the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, would secure the Dubai

pairing their first European Championship title – and a sixth for the Victory Team.

July 2008 n. 5 July 2008 n. 5

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July 2008 n. 5

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July 2008 n. 5

V ictory 1 is unbeaten this season and on present form,

Al Marri and Bin Hendi appear to be unstoppable, and

with a 24-point advantage over their team-mates in

Victory 7, Jean-Marc Sanchez, the defending World and European

Champion, and Abdullah Al Mehairbi, they look all set to add their

names to the trophy. However, should Victory 7 take the win, the

battle for the European crown will go down to the wire and be

decided in the Romanian Grand Prix in Constanta-Mamaia in August.

For the Qatar Team, it seems that whatever they do, Victory has the

answer – and Matteo Nicolini and Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, lying in third

place in Qatar 95 and Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis, in Qatar 96 in

fourth, know that they will have to produce something extraordinary

from somewhere, or else hope that the Championship leaders

have a problem if they are to reduce the points gap in the title race.

Proving to be one of the most solid and reliable outfits this

season is that of the Italian, Giampaolo Montavoci and the

Norwegian, Kolbjorn Selmer in Foresti & Suardi, who have

carved out three well-earned fifth place finishes and in fifth

spot, are currently the highest-placed European team. But

Norwegian hopes for a repeat ‘home win’ – last enjoyed in

2006 by what is a fervently partisan following in Arendal – rest

firmly on the shoulders of Jotun’s Jorn Tandberg and Inge Brigt

Aarbakke. Tandberg and Aarbakke showed real pace in Moscow

– going second quickest in qualifying and but for a broken

propeller, would certainly have challenged the front runners

– and have upped the stakes to be real podium challengers.

Roscioli Hotels Roma’s all-Spanish pairing of Domenico Cirilli

and Sergio Carrasco faced a race against time to repair their

boat and be ready to start this weekend, after a harrowing

moment during the last race, when they lost control as

their steering broke coming off their long-lap and, unable

to steer, they hit the dock, damaging the front left sponson.

Nicola Giorgi and Giorgio Manuzzi will be desperate to get

SeveneleveN back in the points after two frustrating races. After

a solid performance in qualifying in Moscow, an engine problem

during the race with SeveneleveN running in fifth place ended

what looked like being their best performance of the season.

The new Nicolini-designed and built race boat, Qatar 9, will get

only its second outing in Arendal, with Mohammed Al Nassr and

Luca Nicolini hoping for better luck than in Moscow, where a

broken propeller cut short their race on lap one, after they

had impressed during all practice sessions and in qualifying.

This weekend also sees the return to Class 1 action for Tom

Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Nilsen, given a wild card entry by

the Championship Organisers. Last season’s youngest pairing

– who this year lifted the Australian Offshore Superboat

Championship, winning four out of six races – will step

back into the Mercury-Class 1-powered Tencara they raced

last year, and run under the colours of Maritimo Offshore.

page 6 page 7

July 2008 n. 5 July 2008 n. 5

The stunning and picturesque town of Arendal, with its population of 40,000 inhabitants, is tucked away and hidden amongst the majestic fjords of the south coast of Norway. Because the town was built on seven tiny islands with a surrounding network of canals, it was originally called the Venice of Scandinavia.

The town’s most important historical period was during the sailing ships era of the 18th and 19th centuries, and at one time it was one of the largest and most important towns in Norway. Its wealth was based on shipping, with the surrounding iron ore mining, ironworks and timber providing the most important trade. It had connections to all the important trading centres of the world, and closer contact with Europe than with the country's capital of Christiania (or Oslo, as it was later to be called).

The introduction of steamships gradually reduced the town's commercial importance, but the old traditions and charm have been retained – the Tyholmen area, with its attractive collection of wooden buildings is considered to be among the most picturesque and best preserved of its kind.

The town has much to offer – the main attraction in summer is, of course, the sea and the skerries landscape. And the harbour area - the Pollen – is crammed with boats with visitors enjoying the delights of the many harbour-side bars, restaurants and night clubs.

SIMPLYSTUNNING

page 8 page 9

July 2008 n. 5 July 2008 n. 5

Lightning strikes once in Moscowas Victory 1’s Mohammed Al Marri and Nadir Bin Hendi strike twice

Two wins in a row for Al Marri and Bin Hendi...a hat-trick for Victory 1

Double podium celebration for Qatar Team and the Nicolini ‘cat’ is unveiled

Broken props wreck podium chances for both Victory 7 and Jotun

Engine and steering problems cost SeveneleveN and Roscioli Hotels Roma points

Montavoci and Selmer the top placed European outfit in fifth spot

page 10 page 11

CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2008 season looks set to be one of the most open and fiercely contested championship battles for almost a decade. Eleven boats, with competitors from England, France, Italy, Norway, Qatar, Spain, the UAE and the USA will compete in eight races across Scandinavia, Europe and the Middle East for the coveted Class 1 World title. The prospect of a spectacular season’s racing is fuelled by new teams and driver line-ups, and one of the most competitive fleets to line up for many seasons.

18 SEVENELEVENTeam: GIORGIOFFSHORE (ITALY) Boat: #18 SEVENELEVEN (Italy)Team Owner / Manager: Gianni Giorgi

Overall Length: 14.44m Beam: 3.69m

Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: Lamborghini-SCAM 8.2litre, V12

Builder: Victory Boat Construction: Carbon Kevlar

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVERGiorgio Manuzzi (Italy)Date of Birth:20 May, 1964Place of Birth:Cesena, Italy Lives:Cesena

THROTTLEMANNicola Giorgi (Italy)Date of Birth:18 August, 1973Place of Birth:Florence, Italy Lives:Montecatini Terme

8 FORESTI & SUARDITeam: VENETA MARINA (ITALY) Boat: #8 FORESTI & SUARDI (Italy)Team Owner: Giampaolo Montavoci Team Manager: Per Jørgensen





DRIVERKolbjorn Selmer (Norway)Date of Birth:4 December, 1976Place of Birth:Trondheim, Norway Lives:Trondheim

THROTTLEMANGiampaolo Montavoci (Italy)Date of Birth:10 December, 1959Place of Birth:Venice, Italy Lives:Venice

venetamarina.com

7 VICTORY Team: VICTORY TEAM (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) Boat: # 7 VictoryTeam Owner: Government of Dubai Managing Director: Khalfan HaribTeam Manager: Gianfranco Venturelli


Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: Victory V12

Builder: Victory Boat Construction: Composites


DRIVERAbdullah Al Mehairbi (UAE)Date of Birth:7 July, 1977Place of Birth:Dubai, U.A.E. Lives:Dubai

THROTTLEMANJean-Marc Sanchez (France)Date of Birth:27 March, 1961Place of Birth:St Tropez, France Lives:Dubai, U.A.E.

victoryteam.ae

1 VICTORY Team: VICTORY TEAM (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) Boat: # 1 VictoryTeam Owner: Government of Dubai Managing Director: Khalfan HaribTeam Manager: Gianfranco Venturelli


Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: Victory V12

Builder: Victory Boat Construction: Composites


DRIVERMohammed Al Marri (UAE)Date of Birth:2 February, 1962Place of Birth:Dubai, U.A.E. Lives:Dubai

THROTTLEMANNadir Bin Hendi (UAE)Date of Birth:15 December, 1969Place of Birth:Dubai, U.A.E. Lives:Dubai

victoryteam.ae

9 QATARTeam: NICOLINI OFFSHORE (Italy) Boat: # 9 QATARTeam Owner: Nicolini Offshore Team Manager: Matteo NicoliniTechnical Manager: Luca Nicolini

Overall Length: 12.69mBeam: 3.75m

Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: SKEMA V12

Builder: Nicolini OffshoreBoat Construction: Composites


DRIVERMohammed Nassr All-Nassr (Qatar)Date of Birth:1 January, 1964Place of Birth:Doha, Qatar Lives:Doha

THROTTLEMANLuca Nicolini (Italy)Date of Birth:19 April, 1962Place of Birth:Ferrara, Italy Lives:Oggiono (LC)

nicolinioffshore.com

giorgioffshore.com

July 2008 n. 5 July 2008 n. 5

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95 QATARTeam: TEAM QATAR (QATAR) Boat: #95 QATAR (Qatar)Team Owner: Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF)Team Principal: HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani Team Manager: Matteo Nicolini


Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: Skema V12

Builder: VictoryBoat Construction: Composites


DRIVERAbdullah Al-Sulaiti (Qatar)Date of Birth:20 August, 1975Place of Birth:Doha, Qatar Lives:Doha

THROTTLEMANMatteo Nicolini (Italy)Date of Birth:8 July, 1964Place of Birth:Fermo, Italy Lives:Dubai, U.A.E.

96 QATARTeam: TEAM QATAR (QATAR)) Boat: #96 QATAR (Qatar)Team Owner: Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF)Team Principal: HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani Team Manager: Matteo Nicolini


Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: Skema V12

Builder: VictoryBoat Construction: Composites


DRIVERHE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani (Qatar) Date of Birth:20 July, 1968 Place of Birth: Doha, Qatar Lives:Doha

THROTTLEMANSteve Curtis (England)Date of Birth:9 June, 1964Place of Birth:Wimbledon, England Lives:Hythe

88 ROSCIOLI HOTELS ROMATeam: DEUMME BROKER (SPAIN)Boat: #88 ROSCIOLI HOTELS ROMATeam Owner: Domenico Cirilli Team Manager: Pippo Cascone





DRIVERSergio Mora Carrasco (Spain)Date of Birth:22 November, 1977Place of Birth:Huelva, Spain Lives:Huelva

THROTTLEMANDomenico Cirilli (Spain)Date of Birth:8 January, 1960Place of Birth:Rome, Italy Lives:Alicante, Spain

90 JOTUN Team: UGLAND OFFSHORE RACING (NORWAY) Boat: #90 JOTUNTeam Owner: Andreas O Ugland, Jorn Tandberg, Per C Michelsen Team Manager: Per Carsten Michelsen


Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: Mercury Class 1, 9.1litre V8

Builder: Marine Technology Inc Boat Construction: Composites


DRIVERInge Brigt Aarbakke (Norway)Date of Birth:5 july, 1959Place of Birth:Bryne, Norway Lives:Naerbo

THROTTLEMANJorn Tandberg (Norway) Date of Birth:15 March, 1964Place of Birth:Larvik, Norway Lives:Larvik

50 NEGOTIATORTeam: CHRIS PARSONAGE RACING (ENGLAND) Boat: #50 NEGOTIATOR (England)Team Owner: Chris Parsonage Team Manager: Jim Poole


Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: STERLING V8 supercharged

Builder: Victory Boat Construction: Carbon Fibre Composites


DRIVERBard Eker (Norway)Date of Birth:3 October, 1961Place of Birth:Fredrikstad, Norway Lives:Frederikstad

THROTTLEMANChris Parsonage (England)Date of Birth:5 May, 1958Place of Birth:Chester, England Lives:Liskeard

21 WINDMARETeam: WINDMARE RACING (USA)Boat: #21 WINDMARETeam Owner: Windmare Racing Inc Team Manager: Constantin Capsis


Racing Weight: 4800kgsEngines: Mercury Class 1, 9.1litre V8

Builder: Tencara Boat Construction: Composites


DRIVERJerome Brarda (France)Date of Birth:26 April, 1964Place of Birth:Paris, France Lives:Fort Lauderdale, USA

THROTTLEMANTBC

chrisparsonageracing.com

duemme-offshore.com qmsf.org

qmsf.org

uglandoffshoreracing.com

July 2008 n. 5 July 2008 n. 5

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CLASS 1

As the official and exclusive timekeeper of the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship and the EDOX Pole Position Championship, EDOX underlines the sporting values of quest for performance, precision and pushing oneself to the limit.

EDOX first became involved in Class 1 at the beginning of 2006 as an official partner of World Champions, Spirit of Norway, and Christian Hotz, EDOX Marketing Director, saw the opportunity to strengthen the company’s commitment in 2007 to what he describes as a ‘spectacular and nerve-tingling’ sport and to increase the synergy between the two brands. “EDOX is a young, dynamic, privately-owned company with a product range that reflects excellence, quality, style, reliability and glamour and the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship epitomizes these values.”

edox.ch

EDOX – OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER

MARINETEKOFFICIAL PONTOONSUPPLIER

As one of the leading marina developers in the world offering a wide range of pontoons and breakwaters as well as “turn-key” marina solutions, Marinetek operates through its representatives and partners in over 25 countries and has been the supplier to the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, providing its floats for the Wet Pits area, since 2003. “There is a perfect synergy between Class 1 and our products,” said Marinetek CEO, Ilkka Seppala. “The safety and advanced technology of our products were evaluated and are highly regarded by Class 1’s team of specialists.”

marinetek.net

NOR-TECHOFFICIAL PACE BOAT

America’s leading high-performance boat manufacturer provides the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship with two state-of-the-art, twin-engined, five-seater Nor-Tech 3600 Supercats, powered by the new CE approved Mercury 600 with NXT drives and the latest Nor-Tech stealth exhaust system. “We are delighted to have teamed up with the world’s leading powerboat championship,” said Trond Schou, President and owner of Nor-Tech. “Nor-Tech has the most complete line of custom products of any hi-performance builder in the industry and our partnership with Class 1 allows us to showcase our products on a worldwide stage.”

TIMING

Moving provides all the services necessary to companies wishing to promote their brand or their products using dynamic advertising. Its flexible structure is made up of professionals who have always worked in this area and therefore act with good knowledge of the environment and its problems. Moving does not limit itself merely to organising promotional events, but is able to assist with design and planning, drawing ideas from its vast range of experience. The studies and investigations which are carried out on a daily basis enable the company to put forward concrete proposals which are tailored for the target audience.

MOVINGOFFICIAL PARTNER

UNION INTERNATIONALE MOTONAUTIQUE - UIM

The Union Internationale Motonautique (U.I.M.), was formed in 1922 and is the world governing body for marine motorsport and is recognised as such by both the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).President: Raffaele ChiulliGeneral Secretary: Régine Vandekerckhoveuimpowerboating.com

EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP after round 3 of 8

Victory 1 M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE)

Qatar 96 H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England)

Jotun 90 IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway)

Qatar 95 A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy)

Victory 7 A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France)

Foresti & Suardi 8 K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy)

SeveneleveN 18 G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy)

Negotiator 50 B Eker (Norway) / C Parsonage (England)

White 4 M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy)

Qatar 9 M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy)

Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9=

9=

11

55

47

36

28

20

11

10

7

5

5

2

CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP after round 3 of 8

Victory 1M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE)

Victory 7 A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France)

Qatar 95 A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy)

Qatar 96 H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England)

Foresti & Suardi 8 K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy)

Jotun 90 IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway)

Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain)

SeveneleveN 18 G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy)

Negotiator 50 B Eker (Norway) / C Parsonage (England)

Qatar 9 M Al-Nassr (Qatar) / L Nicolini (Italy)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

.

64

40

37

35

25

18

8

5

4

0

nor-techboats.com

moving-italia.com

WORLD PROFESSIONAL POWERBOATING ASSOCIATION - WPPA

The WPPA was founded on 2 December 2006, based on an agreement between Saeed Hareb and the International Offshore Team Association (IOTA) and is located in Dubai.The WPPA has reached an agreement with the UIM, under the terms of which the Association has the exclusive right to manage Class 1 powerboat racing. The WPPA is responsible for the development of this Class, for setting the Rules and for providing the Race Officials.Chairman: Saeed HarebGeneral Secretary: Sid Bensalahthewppa.com

INTERNATIONAL OFFSHORE TEAM ASSOCIATION - IOTA

Founded in 1987, the International Offshore Team Association (IOTA) is the organiser and the officially-sanctioned promoter and worldwide television and commercial rights holder of the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship. It represents the collective interests of all teams competing in the championship.President: HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-ThaniGeneral Secretary: Marco Salaclass-1.com

July 2008 n. 5 July 2008 n. 5

page 16

TIMETABLEFriday, 18 July 2008 08:30 - 13:30 Fuel Available09:00 - 10:00 Administration/Registration09:00 - 12:00 Technical Scrutineering10:30 Team Managers’ Briefing (at NGP lounge)12:00 - 18:00 Cranage Available14:00 - 16:00 Official Practice (on race course)17:00 Boat Parade and Opening Ceremony18:30 Drivers’ Briefing (Arendal Town Hall)19:00 The Mayor’s Official Welcome Reception in Town Hall

Saturday, 19 July 2008 08:00 - 20:00 Fuel Available09:00 - 18:00 Cranage Available10:30 - 12:00 Official Practice (on race course)13:30 All Race Boats to be positioned in Wet Pit (Pollen)13:40 NOR-TECH SPEED RECORD14:30 EDOX POLE POSITION followed by podium presentation

Sunday, 20 July 2008 09:00 - 18:00 Cranage Available10:00 - 11:30 Official Practice (on race course incl. Long Lap)13:30 All Race Boats to be positioned in Wet Pit (Pollen)14:15 Boats leave Pits to do Parade Lap with Pace Boats14:20 Pits Close14:30 BMW NORWEGIAN GRAND PRIX followed by podium presentation20:00 - 24:00 Grand Prix Party in Sponsor Tent

BMW NORWEGIAN GRAND PRIXRound 4 of the CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP Round 3 of the CLASS 1 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

RACE MAPStart Lap 5.36 Nm

6.12 Nm

5.65 Nm

First Lap + 14 Race Laps + 2 Long Laps

96.70 Nm

F1 -F2 - A - A1 - B - B1 - B2 - C - C1 - X - X1 - X2 - X3 - E - E1 - F - F1

B1 - B2 - C - C1- D - D1 D2 - E -E1 - F - F1

F1 -F2 - A - A1 - A2 - B - B1 - B2 - C - C1 - D - D1 - D2 - E - E1 - F - F1

Race Lap

Long Lap

Nigel Quilter tel:+44(0)1252 713223 / mob:+44(0)7785 [email protected] / [email protected] / class-1.com

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

QATAR / Doha

MONTENEGRO / Budva

RUSSIA / Moscow

NORWAY /Arendal

ROMANIA / Constanta

SPAIN / (tbc)

EGYPT / Porto Sokhna

U.A.E. / Dubai

U.A.E. / Dubai

1 March

25 May

6 July

20 July

31 August

21 September

18 October

6 December

13 December

NEXT RACE-CONSTANTA, ROMANIA 29-31 AUGUST

TIMING

ARENDAL 18-20 JULY 2008

July 2008 n. 5

Documents

magazine5_08