The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) and the World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA) have settled their differences.
The WPPA, which oversees the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, has agreed to return to racing under UIM, the sport’s world governing body. Both sides went their separate ways in December 2006 over the running of the sport and its direction.
“We are delighted that this agreement has been reached, it was absolutely vital for the future of the sport,” said Marco Sala, the International Offshore Team Association general secretary. “The way is now clear for all involved in the Championship, the institutions, teams, event organizers and competitors to look forward to a sustained period of growth and stability.”
The key to the agreement was that the WPPA continues to manage the Class 1 tour, and recognize UIM as the sole international governing body. Negotiations took several months between WPPA President Saeed Hareb and UIM President Raffaele Chiulli.
The tour features teams such as Victory and Qatar, and kicks off next week in Doha, Qatar.
“I am delighted that we have reached this amicable agreement for the future of our sport,” Hareb said. “I believe that with a new strategy … we can achieve professional and ambitious objectives together.”
The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) and the World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA) have settled their differences.