The WPPA: World Professional Powerboating Association

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Delma Marine Qatar sweeps X-Cat - Round Three Title in Abu Dhabi
(Saturday, April 11, 2009)
 

3rd round of X-Cat Powerboat Series rides smoothly on the Corniche

The third round of the new X-Cat Powerboat Series started with a bang amidst safe racing amongst the drivers and witnessed fierce battles among rivals on the waters at the ADIMSC yesterday Friday 10, April, 2009. The organizers, Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club under the aegis of the World Professional Powerboating Association were glad that weather did not play truant and the race was conducted by the WPPA Officials under the supervision and keen eye of WPPA President Saeed Harib who was present to witness a day of exciting racing.

The course designed by Nasser Dhaheri, Sports & Events Organizing Officer and WPPA Officials comprised one start lap and seven regular laps totaling around 54.55 NM around the Lulu Island.

Fazza, driven by Arif al Zafeen and throttled by Nader Bin Hendi raced the first four laps with a marginal lead only to drop back and finish -1 lap due to mechanical failure. Delma Marine of Qatar took over Fazza in a neck to neck chase to emerge the winner at the podium. In second place was La Vida Loca steered by Mauro Pallini and throttled by Giovanni Carpitella followed by Delma Marine of the UAE with Rashid Al Marri and Saleem Fadel Al Hamli in the hot seats.

“We have seen the tremendous success of this class of powerboat racing. Till last year there were just 10 boats and now we have 22 boats with many more wanting to join later during the series,” remarked Nasser Al Dhaheri, Sports & Events Organizing Officer and Officer of the Day for the X-Cat Series.

“Our aim is to see this class of racing grow, and it will grow,” he confided.
Though none of the boats had any prior experience in this class of powerboat racing, the third round of the series had its fair share of excitement as drivers from 15 different countries took to the ADIMSC.

“The race organization was fantastic and I am happy that it has resulted in a safe and exciting race. The team has done a good job and I am proud of them”, said Saeed Harib, WPPA President.

The new X-Cat  Powerboat Series is organized by the UAE Marine Sports Federation with sponsorship and cooperation from the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) and DIMC under the aegis of the World Professional Powerboat Association (WPPA). The final round of this fourth-round series will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club on April 18, 2009.


Results of the 2009 X-Cat Powerboat Series held at the ADIMSC yesterday, 10th April, 2009
1. Delma Marine Qatar (Khalid Al Shamlan/ Mohammad Al Nasser)
2. La Vida Loca (Sergio Mora Carrasco/Giovanni Carpitella)
3. Delma Marine UAE (Rashid Al Marri/ Saleem Fadel Al Hamli)