Inshore powerboat racing
Inshore powerboat racing is a form of water-based motorsport using powerboats in sheltered or inland stretches of water, including lakes, rivers, docks and sheltered bays. It is often referred to as circuit powerboat racing because of the frequency of inshore races to use the format of a circuit loop, around which boats race for a number of pre-determined laps.
International races and championships are administered by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) while national events are organised by the relevant country's own powerboat association.
Categories
There are numerous categories that define the levels of competition for inshore powerboat racing. Much like circuit car racing, the highest levels are designated 'Formulae', and the principle of these is the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship. Each formula runs to pre-determined regulations that specify the design of the boat and engine, as well as the rules of competition.
The most common form of inshore powerboat racing involves a race around a two pin (buoy) or multi-pin circuit of approximately 1.5 - 2km in length. Each pin marks a turn in the course. Races will vary in duration, normally no more than 45 minutes, but endurance category races can last much longer, such as the 24 Hours of Rouen.
Historically, powerboat racing has been defined by 'classes' and this is still the case in offshore powerboat racing where Class 1 is the premier category. For inshore racing, up until the creation of Formula 1, the OZ, ON and OE classes were regarded as the most prestigious categories.
The following formula categories are currently sanctioned by the UIM:
| Category | Date founded | Current champion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 1 | 1981 |  Philippe Chiappe |
Formerly known as both the ON and OZ classes. |
| Formula 2 | 2002 |  Pierre Lundin |
|
| Formula 4 | 2005 |  Alberto Comparato |
|
| Formula 4S | 2010 |  Mike Szymura |
Runs as a support category on the F1 tour. |
| Formula 500 | 2004 |  Marian Jung |
European championship ran from 1987-2002. |
| Formula 350 | 2006 | Claudio Fanzini |
|
| Formula 250 | 2001 |  Peter Bodor |
|
| Formula 125 | 2004 | Alex Zilioli |
|
| Formula R1000 | 2002 | Reinhard Gerbert |
- The Formula 3 category is one of many to have existed previously but was cancelled after 2004.
In addition to the formulas above, the following categories are also currently sanctioned by the UIM:
- GT15
- GT30
- SST45
- SST200
- O125
- O250
- O350
- O500
- O700
- JT250
- OSY400
- S550
- P750
- HR850
- FR1000
- OB2000
- OB3000
- Endurance S1
- Endurance S2
- Endurance S3
National competitions
As well as global and continental championships, individual nations have thriving domestic scenes too. In particular the United States, but also many countries in Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In recent years, the sport has become very popular in the Gulf region, particularly the United Arab Emirates and also Qatar.
Boat designs
Many inshore championships utilise variations on the catamaran style boat design, particularly the higher levels of the sport. In lower categories however, different designs are utilised which are determined by the class regulations. In these instances, traditional V hulls and inflatables are common and are the accepted way for younger pilots to gain experience and progress through to the more powerful catamarans.