FUJAIRAH
a new jewel in the Class1 crown
Fujairah, one of the seven members of the United Arab Emirates, is the fourth new venue of the ’98 season to welcome the Class 1 fleet. Lying in the shadow of the magnificent Hajar Mountains and overlooking the Indian Ocean, Fujairah provides a marked contrast for round six of the U.I.M. Class 1 World Powerboat Championship. A magical mix of lush coastal plains and emerald green oasises, set in a framework of mountains and wadis, compliment a wealth of archaeological and historical sites. The great castles of Bithnah and Fujairah and the forts and towers of Al Hayl and Bidiya all bear testimony to a turbulent past. Encompassing the traditions of Arabia and unique to the east coast, the Sasha fishing boats of Fujairah, made from palm, lie in wait, ready to greet their modern day composite cousins.
With the battle for supremacy in Europe already decided, newly crowned ‘European Champions’, Norway’s Bjorn Gjelsten and Britain’s Steve Curtis, head to Fujairah with a valuable 23 points advantage in the World Championship race. "We must remain focussed but I am confident that we can maintain the levels of performance seen so far this season. The competition is very tough, it will be a tactical race for us and our goal will certainly be to get on the podium," commented Gjelsten.
But with only three rounds remaining and just 36 points splitting the top 5 boats, the title race will surely go all the way to the wire. Without question the full force of the Victory Team will now bear down – with all three boats in contention – on Spirit of Norway.
Following their win in Italy there is an air of expectancy among the all Arabian crew of Victory 4. "The boat improves all the time and with three races behind us my confidence is growing and therefore we can push a little harder. Bjorn has a points advantage and does not need to go for wins but he knows we are there," said throttleman, Khalfan Harib.
Adding to the Victory armoury and scheduled for its debut in Fujairah, is the new Michael Peters designed Victory 5. Taking the helm of their new boat will be Felix Serralles and either his regular driver Saeed Al Tayer, if fit, or Henry Simon, who has stepped in for the last two rounds. Also very much in contention are Ali Nasser and Randy Scism in Victory 7, who despite a "bad day at the office in Italy" will be amongst the front runners.
After a few technical difficulties during the race and a disappointing showing in Nettuno, the Jolly Motor crew of Lamberto Leoni and Massimo Lippi will also be looking for a good result to keep their title hopes alive. Caesar Marine showed its class and power last time out with a second place in the Pole run and a mid-race showing as high as fourth, before steering difficulties forced them to ease up – however it must just be a question of time before they step onto the podium.
For the Australian boat Riviera, it is once again a case of around the clock repairs to get the boat ready in time. The clock is ticking, but if they have proved one thing this season it is that they are a dogged team and will never give-up. For the flame red Bilba, the season is now all about maintaining their extraordinary unbeaten pole record and continued development.
Eleven boats will line-up on 30 October for the 12 lap, 125.27Nm race, but the question all the crews are asking is - what conditions they will face?