The decision to bring the 2026 UIM Mid-Term Meetings to Lisbon rather than hold them at an Amsterdam airport hotel has been validated by the reaction of delegates, with Paulo Ferreira reporting that all those present are happy with the change and keen to return.
Ferreira, President of the Federação Portuguesa de Motonáutica and the host of this week’s meetings at the Jupiter Lisboa Hotel, credits UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli with making the call. Powerboat News reported on the arrival of Chiulli and Secretary General Thomas Kurth in Lisbon on Thursday, as delegates assembled for the opening sessions.
“This decision was the president’s. Raffaele is a person with a wonderful vision, and it is very important to explain this. If you look at the past, the UIM has grown, is at a higher level. This is very important.” – Paulo Ferreira, FPM President
The contrast with previous years is stark. Amsterdam’s meeting format placed delegates in a hotel close to the airport for three days, with little opportunity to leave. Lisbon puts them in the city centre, with restaurants, culture, and the city itself within walking distance.
“In Amsterdam it is one place, not in the city centre. One hotel close to the airport and all people closed in one room and one hotel, three days. Now it is different. It is a more open mind. People go to walk, to see the restaurants, to see the shopping, everything. They have a nice restaurant, they have a nice hotel. The mind has changed.” – Paulo Ferreira, FPM President
After two days of commission and council sessions, the response has been unambiguous.
“After two days, all people are happy and want to come again.” – Paulo Ferreira, FPM President
Ferreira stopped short of claiming the UIM General Assembly – a larger gathering – would follow to Lisbon, but made clear it would be welcomed. His broader point was that Portugal has established itself as a credible and capable host nation for international motorsport governance, not only on the water.
“Portugal is one of the best places for organising events for the UIM.” – Paulo Ferreira, FPM President
The FPM has hosted UIM F2 World Championship rounds for over six seasons and the federation’s profile within the international body has grown accordingly.
Powerboat News was invited to cover the Lisbon meetings by Ferreira. Full reporting from the council sessions will follow.
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.
