World's Top Powerboat Racers Compete In Shanghai

Credit: Jiang Xiaowei / Shanghai Daily

Caption: Powerboats race with a cruise liner in the background at the Mouth of the Yangtze River.

The F1H2O World Championship China Grand Prix is underway in Shanghai, gathering 10 teams and 20 racers from 14 countries on the Baoshan waterfront from October 2 to 4.

Often called "Formula 1 on water," the championship is the highest level of international powerboat racing.

Founded in 1981 by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the competition has toured five continents and more than 30 countries and regions with races at speeds over 160 kilometers per hour on closed circuits in major cities worldwide.

It is the second consecutive year Shanghai has hosted the event. The races are broadcast to more than 100 countries and regions. It positions the city as one of the few in the world to stage both Formula 1 auto racing and Formula 1 powerboat racing.

Credit: Jiang Xiaowei / Shanghai Daily

Caption: Two powerboats speed side by side on the Baoshan waterfront.

"The Shanghai Grand Prix, held consecutively in Baoshan, symbolizes the power of sports to unite people and connect the world," said Niclo San di Germano, founder of H2O Racing.

This year's races moved to Changtan, or the Long Beach Inner Harbor in Baoshan, where calmer waters provide better racing conditions. For the first time, organizers introduced a free public viewing zone to encourage more attendance.

"Changtan, where this competition will be held, exemplifies the perfect fusion of urban landscape and water sports," Germano said. He called the riverside area a "shining star on the F1H2O calendar."

The championship has been paired with cultural and tourism activities, including the Long Beach Arts Festival and the Yangtze River Food Festival. Organizers said these programs highlight Baoshan's transformation into a hub for sports and tourism.

Credit: Jiang Xiaowei / Shanghai Daily

Caption: A racer prepares his powerboat before heading into the China Grand Prix.

The China CTIC Team, three-time world champions between 2014 and 2016, is competing on home waters.

"We are confident and hopeful for a promising result here in Shanghai," said team manager Eric Chan.

The sprint race was held on Friday. Two former three-time world champions, Jonas Andersson of Sweden and Shaun Torrente of Victory Team, each won their sprint race group.