Powering Through the DecaDes

Powerboat racing is one of the region’s earliest motorsports, with international events taking place in the UAE as far back as the eighties. Central to the sport has been the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club.

PowErBoAT rACInG, in its various forms, has been a popular sport in the UAE for almost three decades now. The Abu Dhabi GP itself has been a highlight of the UIM F1 World Championship, the highest class of inshore powerboat racing, since 1993. Offshore, the Class 1 and XCAT World Series races pitch some of the world’s fastest and most powerful racing boats together for high-thrills action in the open waters of the Gulf.

Hadag talks to Salem Al Rumaithi, Assistant Director General of the Abu Dhabi International Marina Sports Club (ADIMSC), about the sport in the UAE: Can you give us an overview of the highlights of the past season across the various racing categories?

This has been the most successful season to date for Team Abu Dhabi. The highlight of course came when Gary Ballough and John Tomlinson won our first UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship title in November, particularly as they clinched the championship here during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Just three weeks later Rashed Al-Tayer and Faleh Al-Mansoori completed their first season in the UIM XCAT World Series by finishing runners-up in the championship.

Many races take place close to Abu Dhabi’s corniche, providng a thrill for spectators.

We started the UIM F1 H2O World Championship this season with an entirely new team. We picked Guido Cappellini to lead the team because of his huge experience, both as a competitor who won the world title a record ten times, and as a manager. We also brought in Alex Carella, a three-time world champion, to join Thani Al-Qamzi and we believe this is a combination that can bring us more world titles.

What are the merits of inshore racing vs. offshore racing?

Inshore or offshore, powerboat racing is spectacular, exciting, often dramatic, and highly competitive. We feel our world championships offer the same level of challenge, entertainment and thrills as F1 motor racing.

Inshore racing, particularly the UIM F1 H2O World Championship, is particularly exciting for spectators because they can see more of it close at hand.

The nature of offshore racing, like Class 1 and the XCAT World Series, means it has traditionally been harder for the public to follow. That’s why we run as much of our Class 1 and XCAT races as possible close to the Corniche and the Breakwater, and work very closely with Abu Dhabi TV who do more and more each year to show the sport at its best.

Can you give us a little bit of history on the UIM F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi and its development?

The Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi was first run in 1993, and it has since become one of the most popular events in the annual calendar.

The course used in that first year is basically the one we use today, between the Corniche and the Breakwater, and the development of the Abu Dhabi skyline has gradually given the race a more and more dramatic backdrop.

Ironically, the first Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi was won by Team Abu Dhabi’s current manager, Guido Cappellini.

We’re proud of the place the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi has in F1 powerboat racing history. Over the years we’ve worked closely with the UIM and the teams to develop the event with an emphasis on safety as well as spectator enjoyment.

What are the future aspirations of the ADIMSC in the world of powerboating?

We feel we have achieved a great deal, but we are a forward looking club, team and race venue and our aim is to build on these achievements each year.

That means attracting more young Emiratis into the sport and giving them strong support to help their development, bringing more success to the UAE through the performances of Team Abu Dhabi, and working to enhance the powerboat racing experience for spectators.

How did you get into diving and ocean photography?

Ever since I was young at age five I loved the sea, as my dad took us along with my brothers and taught me everything from swimming to fishing. Later on I started to fall for diving, that’s back in 2011 when I was taught scuba diving and got my license; later on I got the free diving license.

Which is your favourite spot to dive in Bahrain?

My favourite spot is Abu Luthama, which is located north of Muharraq about 70km away. It takes two hours to get there and it’s a spot where there is no land at all, making it very difficult to reach. The reason why I prefer it is due to the variety and diversity of corals and fish available making it look very beautiful. It’s at the same level as the international corals that I have seen.

What pushed you to pursue underwater photography?

I loved diving so much that I had to capture the images and share the beauty and colours of the ocean with the others. This is when I got a compact camera and started sharing on Facebook. The feedback that I received was amazing, pushing me further to get more equipment such as lighting, lenses and a more sophisticated camera.

What actually made people want to see more was because it’s local and they were surprised at the presence of such coral reefs ocean life in Bahrain. Though it’s difficult to capture due to the water clarity, I pushed myself and was able to get what I needed to share the moments across social media platforms.

Can you tell us about an experience which stands out in your memory?

A whale shark (4-5m long) which was a unique experience during a trip in Bahrain. We got the chance to swim with it and take photos, and it’s a moment I wish I could relive and take shots at a different angle with divers swimming next to it in order to show the size of the whale shark.

Another experience that not many have been able to do is diving in freshwater springs. This was very popular for the generations before us, but due to environmental causes many have disappeared. I was shocked to learn that there were a few still available, and I had the chance to dive in a five metre deep one in a garden. It had turtles living there and it was like no other feeling.

What advice do you have for anyone who is interested in the ocean?

I’d tell them if you’re able and have the resources to learn, go ahead and do it!

I would also like to convey a message to those responsible for sustaining the sea life, to keep an eye on Abu Luthama. Due to over fishing and boats going the corals, they are being worn out and destroyed. It’s a national treasure and such a loss to the country if completely destroyed.