UIM Teams Championship Approved

The UIM Council has officially adopted Rule 105.05, establishing a new Teams Titled Event format that will debut in the 2026 season. The decision, made during the 98th UIM General Assembly on Friday 10 October, marks a major step toward cross-discipline national competition and broader powerboat sport promotion.

The proposal, submitted by COMINSPORT and supported by the Aquabike, MotoSurf, and COMINOFF commissions, introduces a flexible team structure combining multiple racing categories into single-weekend “Water Festival” events.

What Was Voted In

The adopted rule confirms the following framework:

– Each team consists of 3–5 drivers, all holding racing licences from the same nationality.
– Teams must include at least two circuit racing categories, with additional entries from aquabike, motosurf, or offshore disciplines.
– Each category runs three heats, with all results counting toward the team’s total score.
– Events are held over a single weekend at one venue, with all racing classes starting and classifying separately under Rule 317.
– Medals are awarded to the top three teams, and foreign drivers receive travel and start money per existing titled event protocols.

Organisers may apply to host events and propose class combinations, subject to COMINSPORT approval. Example formats include GT-15, OSY-400, and F-4 paired with Aquabike Runabout GP4 and GP4 Ladies—creating mixed-discipline national teams.

The rule also allows for “Nations Cup” designation if participation and regulations permit, with championship status determined annually based on entry quality and geographic representation.

What Was Not Included

While the rule establishes the core structure, several implementation details remain open:

– No unified travel money framework was defined for multi-discipline teams, leaving payment rates subject to individual category rules.
– Venue homologation and scrutineering procedures across disciplines were not harmonised, requiring organisers to coordinate with multiple technical committees.
– Rental boat competitions and non-titled formats were acknowledged but excluded from the official rule due to equipment standardisation concerns.

Implications for 2026

The Teams Championship format is designed to:

– Revive dormant classes by encouraging federations to field broader talent pools
– Increase spectator appeal through compact, multi-discipline race weekends
– Promote national pride and cross-category collaboration

Organisers can now apply for inclusion in the 2026 calendar, with COMINSPORT overseeing event approval and category selection. The format is expected to evolve year-to-year based on participation trends and development priorities.

With Rule 105.05 now in effect, powerboat racing enters a new era of team-based international competition—one that blends tradition with innovation and opens new pathways for growth across all UIM disciplines.