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Success on First USA Outing
Ukrainian Spirit and Seagull, two boats of Ukrainian ownership and Malta-built origin, took the 31st Key West World Championship by storm by winning both their respective categories on their first outing in powerboat racing in the United States.
Ukrainian Spirit (P1-55), making new waters their home-waters on first test
The Key West challenge was the seventh and last of the Super Boat International 2011 World Championship. 60 boats took part in Florida event which were spread in 12 different classes. The competitive programme was made up of nine outings raced over three days.
Ukrainian Spirit (P1-55), a 13-metre Chaudron Canopy 41 with twin inboard 800hp engines, featured in the 'Manufacturer Production 1 Class'. Following an excellent start on Day 1 of racing where it won second place and 225pts, P1-55 faced disappointment on Day 2 and had to retire after only 1 lap with engine trouble securing only 164.50 pts. However on Day 3, the ex-P1 World Champions made up of Ukrainian owner-throttle Viktor Shemchuk and Maltese boat-builder-driver Aaron Ciantar, took the Key West circuit by storm dominating all 7-laps of the day and adding up another 500pts to their tally - winning their Class with a total of 889.50pts.
Seagull (P3-43), another Chaudron built 13-metre boat with twin 600hp inboard engines, featured in the 'Manufacturer Production 3 Class', with an all Ukrainian crew made up of Oleksiy Chendekov (pilot), Andriy Lysenko (throttle) and Dmytro Gerasymenko (navigator/spare pilot). Starting with a second placing on Day 1 securing 225 pts, P3-43 went on to dominate the rest of the programme gaining a first place on both Day 2 and Day 3 of racing adding 250pts and 500pts respectively to their favour - winning their Class with a total of 975pts.
Aaron Ciantar and his Chaudron entourage are expected back in Malta on Wednesday.
Super Boat racing in the United States is sanctioned by the Super Boat International Productions, Inc.
Article by Wilfred Sultana
