UIM Teams Championship Proposal

COMINSPORT will propose establishing UIM teams titled events tomorrow, introducing a format combining three to five racing categories per team in single-weekend competitions designed to popularise powerboat racing and encourage nations to revive dormant classes.

The structure requires all team members to hold valid racing licences from the same nationality, with one driver per team per category competing across circuit, aquabike, motosurf or offshore disciplines. Minimum two categories must come from circuit racing, ensuring the traditional backbone of powerboat competition remains central to the format.

Competition Structure

Each racing category would comprise three heats with all results counting towards team totals. Racing and technical rules mirror continental championship standards for chosen categories, maintaining existing regulatory frameworks whilst creating cross-discipline competition.

Between 10 and 20 teams could enter titled events, with nations permitted two teams if spaces remain unfilled. All racing classes start and classify separately under Rule 317 points scoring, with the team accumulating the highest combined points declared winner. Tied teams would be separated by successive comparison of first positions, second positions and continuing through classifications.

UIM would supply medals for the top three teams, with foreign drivers receiving travel and start money following existing titled event protocols. Events would run across single weekends at the same venue, concentrating competition into compact festivals appealing to spectators and media.

Category Selection

Organisers would apply to host events defining which classes to include, with COMINSPORT approval required. Example combinations mentioned in Vahur Joala’s proposal include circuit classes GT-15, OSY-400 and F-4 paired with aquabike Runabout GP4 and GP4 Ladies categories, creating mixed-discipline team competitions.

The format potentially revives classes struggling for entries at traditional single-discipline events. Nations might field drivers in categories they have not regularly contested, knowing team-mates in stronger classes can compensate for individual results whilst maintaining competitive team totals.

Joala’s justification explicitly targets popularisation and encouraging nations to restart “forgotten” classes. The team structure provides incentive for national federations to develop broader talent pools across multiple disciplines rather than concentrating resources in single categories.

Event Presentation

Organisers could schedule additional demonstrations between races including rescue team displays, water ski exhibitions, radio-controlled classes and two-seater rides where applicable. The proposal describes events as “Water Festivals” promoting powerboat sports to broader audiences beyond dedicated racing fans.

Time schedules would vary based on included classes and local regulations, though the proposal recommends always including at least one junior category. Example timetables demonstrate Saturday aquabike racing followed by Sunday circuit competition, or single-day formats mixing disciplines throughout the schedule.

The format could extend to rental boat competitions worldwide where fleets are available, though these would require Friday practice days and likely fall outside titled race lists due to equipment standardisation requirements.

Nations Cup Potential

The proposal suggests events could be designated “Nations Cup” competitions if regulations permit, though COMINSPORT would decide titles annually based on applications and participation levels. World or continental championship status would be determined by commission assessment of entry quality and geographic representation.

The flexible framework allows organisers to tailor events to available venues, equipment and national participation patterns whilst maintaining standardised technical and racing regulations. Categories could shift year-to-year based on development priorities or participation trends within UIM disciplines.

Implementation Questions

The proposal requires coordination across multiple committees including Aquabike Committee, MotoSurf Committee and COMINOFF alongside circuit racing authorities. Each discipline maintains separate technical regulations and safety requirements, potentially complicating venue homologation and scrutineering procedures.

Single-venue weekend formats demand facilities capable of accommodating multiple boat types simultaneously, with adequate pit space, launching facilities and course configurations suitable for diverse racing formats. Circuit courses differ significantly from aquabike ski courses and offshore layouts, requiring careful venue selection.

Travel money calculations become complex when teams span multiple disciplines with different existing titled event payment structures. The proposal references foreign driver payments but does not specify whether rates follow individual category rules or unified team event standards.

COMINSPORT has provided advice on the proposal ahead of tomorrow’s council vote. The Aquabike Committee, MotoSurf Committee and COMINOFF were consulted during development. If approved, the new Rule 105.05 would take effect from 1st January 2026, permitting organisers to apply for 2026 calendar inclusion.