The period from 23 –25 October saw Porto Marina on Egypt’s north coast, some 100km west of Alexandria, host Egypt’s Grand Prix in professional powerboating, Class 1.
World leaders, Victory 1, took a giant step towards retaining the team’s World title after leading home a dream one-two finish since all three of their main title rivals faltered.
This is the second year in succession that Egypt hosts the Grand Prix; last year it was awarded the excellence prize in organising the event. The Amer Group had coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Tourism, Matrouh governorate, the Supreme Council for Sports, the WPPA, and the Egyptian sailing and powerboat association to organise the event. The Amer Group, which runs Port Marina planned the October timing in order to exploit the resort during the off-season month. “The event is an excellent opportunity to promote the North Coast of Egypt as an excellent holiday destination,” Mansour Amer, head of the organising committee said.
Competing were teams from England, France, Italy, Norway, Qatar, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates. With speeds that range from 250 – 350km/hr, and state-of-the-art turbo engines, powerboating is one of the highest speed maritime sports.