UIM F4 would replace its pace boat procedure with the yellow flag rules already used in F2, under one of four F4 proposals going before the UIM Council on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The others would introduce season-long race number reservations, set a lifting order at the crane after each race, and require boats to carry identical livery on both sides.
All four were entered by the F2 & F4 Committee, with UIM Sports Commissioner Pelle Larsson named as author. Anything adopted takes effect on January 1, 2027. The vote falls the day before the 99th UIM General Assembly in Sintra.
Yellow Flag Rules Brought Into Line With F2
Proposal 6 would delete Section 5 of the F4 rules, Interrupted Race – Pace Boat Rules, and replace it with the text of F2’s Interrupted Race – Yellow Flag section. The main changes are below.
Who runs the restart. The power to interrupt a race moves from the Organiser to the UIM Race Director. The leading boat would always act as pace boat, removing the current option of a specially designated boat. The lead boat’s radio person would report to the UIM Race Director for instructions.
Penalties. A boat judged to be speeding or causing a hazard under yellow currently “may” receive a drive-through or one-lap penalty. Under the new text it “will”, with the penalty applied at the end of the race.
Holding formation. A new clause bars drivers from slowing down and backing up the field to gain space before the restart. Any boat judged to be holding up the field or breaking formation receives a drive-through or one-lap penalty. Responsibility for correct restart positions would extend to radio persons as well as team managers.
The restart itself. Speed would be raised gradually before the green flag. Any overtaking before the green flag would cost a lap, applied at the end of the race. If the scheduled laps are completed under yellow, the UIM Race Director would add five laps and restart the race, where appropriate, so that it finishes under the chequered flag.
Restart diagram. Boats would line up according to a restart diagram, with the leader always on the inside. Radio persons would be responsible for moving their boats up to fill any gap. Boats running side by side outside the diagram positions would be penalised. The diagram itself is referred to but not reproduced in the proposal document.
What drops out. Three parts of the current F4 text do not carry over:
- the five-second window after the yellow is shown, after which an overtake costs a lap;
- the distinction between a stationary and a waved yellow flag;
- the clause dealing with a boat running more than 100 metres behind the boat in front.
The justification section of Proposal 6 is blank in the published document.
Race Numbers Reserved With the Licence
Proposal 1 would amend General Rule 206.02, covering both F4 and F2. Drivers applying for a UIM F4 Series Licence for a new season would also have to apply to reserve their race number, with priority going to the first application received. The justification says several teams have applied for the same number and that the current rule is unclear.
Crane Priority for the Top Six
Under Proposal 7, the top six finishers would be lifted out by crane first, because they must go directly to Parc Fermé. The remaining boats would follow in an order set by the Race Committee or the pontoon marshal. Any boat in difficulty, including water ingress or technical failure, would take priority regardless of finishing position.
Failure to follow the procedure could bring a Blue Card for the team’s driver under Rule 406.05. The justification says the top-six priority has not always been observed, delaying publication of official results.
Same Livery on Both Sides
Proposal 8 would require every F4 and F2 boat to carry the same design, colours and markings on its port and starboard sides. Larsson’s justification is safety: boats need to be identifiable from either side by timing, by officials, and by crews during rescue operations.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
