Class 1 Powerboat Technology

Since 1964 powerboat racing has enjoyed rapid technological development. Initially, legendary Americans Jim Wynne, Dick Bertram and Don Aronow in partnership with Daytona, Mercruiser and AeroMarine power plants reigned supreme.

Italian predominance
In the 1980's, the Europeans came to enjoy a period of design dominance. Don Shead's Aluminium monohulls, Italian manufacturers Picchiotti and CUV, and the James Beard-Clive Curtis Cougar catamarans set the pace before Fabio Buzzio took a giant step forward with the introduction of glass-reinforced Polymer hulls, turbo-charged engines, and integral surface drives.

Stretching the limits
Subsequently, the 1990's saw the emergence and subsequent dominance of the Michael Peters/Tencara design and build combination with Sterling, Lamborghini and Seatek sharing the power battle. The same period was also notable for the emergence of the United Arab Emirates and Norway as a tour de force in powerboat racing. Today, state-of-the-art boat design and leading-edge technology are stretching the limits of the modern-day racers in their relentless pursuit of competitive excellence.