Vietnam to host world powerboat race for the first time

This is the first time that the prestigious competition, held by governing body Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), will be hosted in Vietnam. Over 70 athletes from 30 countries will compete at Thi Nai, the largest saltwater lagoon in central Vietnam.

The athletes will compete in two events: the UIM-F1H2O Powerboat and the UIM-ABP Aquabike. The latter is slated to take place March 22-24, 2024, while the former will take place March 29-31.

Nicolo di San Germano, founder of H2O Racing, said: “I came to Vietnam for the first time in 1996 and had a dream, which is bringing the F1H2O here. I’m so glad that my dream has come true.”

Germano added that racers from 30 countries will come to the competition in Vietnam next year and hope to put Binh Dinh on the spotlight of the powerboat racing world during the tournament. He also wants Vietnam to have its own powerboat racing team one day.

Chairman of Binh Dinh People’s Committee Pham Anh Tuan said Thi Nai Lagoon meets all the requirements of the race and added this is a chance to let more people know about Binh Dinh.

“We will make this tournament a success and turned it into a signature event of the province,” Tuan said.

UIM, established in 1922, established the UIM-F1H2O in 1981 while the UIM-ABP began in 1992.