WPPA vs UIM

[Ben Mazur]

The World Professional Powerboat Assoc. seems to have upset the UIM. The text of their communique can be found here.

www.sportcentric.com/vsite/vfile/page/fileurl/0,11040,4916-180103-197321-115431-0-file,00.pdf (http://www.sportcentric.com/vsite/vfile/page/fileurl/0,11040,4916-180103-197321-115431-0-file,00.pdf)

[POO !!!]

I hope they pay attention as to how they go about this .I'll tell you,pver here when OSS split off from APBA they had a " were better than you " attitude which has stuck with them to this day . They cant get ahead because too many guys remember how they did it wrong .

So Please do it right . Get all the members ,and be freindly about it . Look forward to getting over there and watching a couple races ,especially that round- britain race that sounds great ! .:)

[Ben Mazur]

Welcome Poo! Glad to see you here.

[Ben Mazur]

More details courtesy of The Offshore Racing Drivers Association website.

http://www.orda.co.uk/images/stories//uimwppa.pdf

[POO !!!]

Ben , How will this work when class 1 leaves the UIM? Is it all the european teams ,or just class one?

Again I hope WPPA keeps the info up to date so that opinions dont come into play and sever the whole thing as it did here in the states.
OSS has a bunch of great racersin it . But the two or three bad ones really hold it down from total participation by their " we dont have to tell you #$%^ anthing " attitude .

Good luck ,it sounds like you all want change for the better. :)

[Ben Mazur]

My understanding is that Class One will be affiliated with WPPA. Formula One had shown interest but will not/can not affiliate.

There has been talk of the now defunct ProVee class restarting with WPPA as well as the Class Three boats (mostly 4 and 6 liter) in the Gulf area.

Purely a guess on my part but I wouldn't doubt that the Honda Formula 4 Stroke series would also become part of WPPA.

Here's how it's been reported globally
http://www.class-1.com
http://www.thedubailife.com/index.php/main/newsfull/new_powerboat_governing_body_planned
http://amfoffshoreracing.com/media/pressreleases/dubai/dubai.html
http://www.mby.com/auto/newsdesk/20061114111729mbynews.html
http://sailr.com/news41785.html
http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Powerboat/10088053.html

[ducktail]

I would like to know whether the WPPA has new board members or investors. A large number of companies occure i.e. as sponsors by paying for the right to get a sport arena named after their company's name, i.e. in California...
Are there hints that the WPPA has been purchased by an investor? The Fort Lauderdale International Boatshow i.e. has been purchased last year by an investment group of CEOs.
If a purchase is out of question please excuse this attempt. I find the involvement of a couple of persons in this process dominating.
Please excuse if the intention of my post is on the wrong track. I have no clue at all what to think about it or which might be the right track. :)

Any respond, pleeeaase! :)

[Ben Mazur]

Hello ducktail and welcome to Proprider.

All I know of the situation comes from the links that I previously posted.

Sorry if I'm not precisely answering your question(s) but I'm not exactly sure what you were asking. :confused:

[ducktail]

Unfortunatly I dont know either what I am asking for as " a small group of people with personal motivations and interests", as mentioned in your link above, means all and nothing. There seems to be a couple of different sides of the story. As I dont know i.e. what kind of monetary involvement is meant I can not ask for anything particular.
There is a posting on OSO that the WPPA would be no new launch but existed already before. I just dont get the clue.

[Rupert Munro]

I would like to know whether the WPPA has new board members

Not sure if this helps:

World Professional Powerboating Association - Board members
Chairman: Saeed Hareb, UAE Members
Bill Barry-Cotter, Australia
Alfredo Redaelli, Italy
Per Carsten Michelsen, Norway
Jose Jesuita, Portugal
Mohamed Al Jaidah, Qatar
Rory Power, UK
John Haggin, USA
Marco Sala, IOTA representative
Sid Bensalah, Algeria, General Secretary

[ducktail]

Hello B. Mazur and thank you for the welcome.

One poster on OSO mixed WPPA and WPR (World Powerboat Racing). So WPPA seems to be new.
Thank you for your reply. I wondered who the investors are as a group of sponsors invested in the media broadcasting during the Destin races and that includes AMF and probably Budweiser (either the beer company or the racing team?). When any company i.e. Budweiser wants to invest as a sponsor and needs board members supporting their wish to get a revenue out of the investment then this is understandable and a sponsor might just say that.
The reason I asked is this post on OSO - although the users there react on almost everything they didnt react on this post.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146926

Their office seems to be in Dubai, nation with traditional shipbuilding and attempts to upgrade the state of shipbuilding by joint-ventures with more modern working European shipyards (i.e. megayacht Dubai)

[ducktail]

Thank you Rupert M. for the listing.

When I did my thesis I was supposed to get about 1 page ready each day. If so many racers are not contend with the UIM the executive of the UIM could have done now a 16-pages-draft since the 2nd of December with more appropriate rules and no out-of-date passages in order to start the work for the board members developing to draft till they have the end-version they can all agree to. Would have been better than to threaten to exclude all those who support WPPA from everything.

Btw, your english is much better than mine.

[Ben Mazur]

Thanks for the link ducktail. I hadn't seen that before - very interesting! If you don't mind me asking, in what part of the world are you located?

Here's the post from 'Maximus' in its entirety.

"WPPA- European Racing getting their act together
WPPA- Details

2007 AMF OFFSHORE RACING WILL BE DEDICATED TO REUNITING THE RACERS.

Innovators are almost always chastised...when they succeed they are genius's

UNITED WE RACE ....DIVIDED WE FALL.


John B.Haggin USA Medical & Safety: Mohammed Al Jaida

Race Management: Jose Jesuita ? Rory Power- Per Carsten

Technical: Bill Barry

Events & Race Officials: John B.Haggin Marco Sala

Marketing & Media: John B.Haggin Marco Sala

Constitution & Legal: Independent Legal Company

Racing Rules: Rory Power



Preliminary Remarks

In the world of sport in particular, that of motor sports the divide between amateur and professional activities is becoming ever more pronounced

The types of rationale which inform the two worlds are becoming ever more diversified

Until today, powerboat racing was the only motor sport which is managed by a single entity which applies the same rules, irrespective of the type of activity undertaken

Aims of this presentation

To identify the problemsencountered in the management of professional powerboat racing

To identify the common areas of activity amongst those powerboating classes which run professional businesses

To suggest solutions which enable co-ordination between the various professional classes and which optimise their resources

To indicate common methods by which positive results can be obtained in this sport-business"

To propose a structure which ?functioning under the aegis of the current Institutions ?satisfies the requirements of the professional powerboat racing community

Problems

Instability of the sport, particularly in connection with the handling of the rules

Weakness of the institutions, which do not give sufficient protection to the activities of the professional categories

Lack of co-ordination between the top-level powerboat racing bodies

No precise identity attributed to the various professional classes, thus causing confusion and overlap in their potential markets

Waste of resources due to the duplication of activities which could easily be integrated

Areas of Common Ground

Necessity for sport to be run professionally and for training of race management and officials equal to their task

Necessity for co-ordination of activities

Necessity for creation of distinct and recognisable formats for the various classes -avoid image overlap

Necessity to expand market of potential organisers and sponsors whilst respecting their respective priorities and characteristics

Necessity to co-ordinate handling of image and television rights to maximize income

Necessity for optimisation of resources-services and suppliers

Necessity for legal support in dealings with Associations, Sponsors and Local Organizers

Solutions

Give the sport stability and credibility by training race management and officials who are equal to their tasks

Create an identity for each class, avoiding the overlapping of activity carried out by similar championships

Co-ordinate sporting activities, avoiding territorial overlap and conflicting dates

Co-ordinate and regulate commercial side, creating a wider and more inviting platform for sponsorship market

Co-ordinate and regulate handling of television and image rights, strengthening our position and expanding opportunities to exploit
these to the full

Optimize resources by integration of services, suppliers and personnel

Why the W. P. P. A.?

The World Professional Powerboating Association is the means by which the problems of professional powerboat racing can be
addressed and overcome

Joining forces engenders strength, at both sporting and commercial level

Professional powerboat racing needs a re-launch, making the most of the know-how acquired over time

Acting autonomously enables control and protection of investments made for the promotion and development of those who carry out activities at a professional level

Composition of W.P.P.A.

The Association is founded by Mr. Saeed Hareb based on the agreement with IOTA-Class 1, being parties which over the last few years have managed professional powerboat racing classes and which have been the driving force and point of reference for all related business

Those categories which have as their aim the attainment of not only sporting achievements, but also commercial results, and which can guarantee professionalism and to uphold mutual goals

Those categories which are seen to be providing introductory instruction or supporting a professional activity

Boat and engine builders and suppliers active in the sphere of professional powerboat racing

Aims and Functions

Represent professional powerboat racing at sporting and other international forums

Promote and co-ordinate professional powerboat racing activities with regard to the ecosystem

Make the sport media-friendly

Manage the sporting side of the Classes represented, setting the related rules

Co-ordinate the Calenda rof the respective Championships to avoid overlapping and interference between the various Local Organizers

Ensure that the Championships maintain the level of quality and format established when accepted into the WPPA

Establish guidelines for running of commercial activities and development to support the promoters activity in the different classes.

Identify possible areas of commercial synergy and where WPPAChampionships?image rights can best be exploited

Identify possible areas of synergy in supply of common servicesto the various Classes

Provide legal consultancy services to members and organizers of the various classes of Championship

Act as arbitrator for areas of dispute between the Members and organizers of Championships

Legal Status

WPPA is an Association that brings together all concerned professionals desiring to participate in the Professional World Powerboat Championships.

The founding members of the WPPA will establish the council and the criteria for affiliation with the WPPA of the different power boat classes. This will guarantee an international organization of championships and the quality and professionalism of their participants.

The WPPA President is nominated by the WPPA Council.

The WPPA will be governed by a Council. The Council will overlook the entire structure and operation of the WPPA and its members. The WPPA Council will specifically comprise the Founding Members, Member National Authorities, Class 1 representatives, Class 1 Promoter Representative and other classes? representatives.

The WPPA Council will also appoint an Executive Committee which will carry out the day to day operations of the WPPA.

The Executive Committee has the discretion to appoint appropriate sub-committees to handle different aspects of the sports including, but without restriction to, Medical & Safety committee, Technical & Race Management committee, Events & Race Officials committee, Constitution & Legal Consultants committee, Marketing & Media committee and Racing Rules Committee.

Institutional Relations

WPPA seeks to become an internationally recognized authority fo rthe regulation, operation, coordination and supervise and assistnational authorities to run of powerboat championships and races. It is currently recognized by IOTA -Class 1 and will be attracting further recognition from appropriate national authorities and other international sporting authorities.

W.P.P.A.Organisation Chart


Administration

The WPPA can be financed by:

An enrollment fee for the Members
Allocating a percentage of the income from any commercial initiatives common to the various Classes
Using part of the funds already destined to the UIM (Fees, Super Licences and Race Officials)
Donations
Other income resources from media and other promotions and sponsorships

The WPPA will have an operating office in Dubai and in other locations determined by the Council.

Benefits

The Members can benefit from:

A leaner management structure for the sport, which is also more tailored to the genuine requirements of the activities undertaken
Self-determination and control over investments
Increased opportunities for the exploitation of commercial activities
Control and the guarantee that the Championships and Participants satisfy the established quality criteria


WPPA-
The modern and efficient way to run
Professional Powerboating Sports"


__________________

[Andree]

Today I got the following PR from IOTA. Also they showed the Class 1 Logo with the R for registred Trademark the first Time. I do not think the NA will support Class 1 without fearing any sanctions by the UIM, bad situation for all partys
18/12/2006

IOTA REITERATES THAT IT WILL RUN THE 2007 CLASS 1 CHAMPIONSHIP UNDER THE WPPA

Monday, 18 December, MILAN (Italy); The IOTA board has expressed its disappointment that the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) has not responded to its letter of 3 December in which it advised that it has taken the decision to run the 2007 Class 1 Championship under the newly formed World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA). “It is with great regret that we see that the UIM has decided to oppose in a decisive manner the founding of the WPPA as well as Class1’s choice to adhere to this organisation,” commented IOTA Chairman, Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani. “Our disappointment is all the greater due to the method used to communicate this answer, which appears to be definitive. In fact, instead of replying to our letter, which expressed the continued hope that the UIM would recognise the WPPA as an element for the renewal and improvement of the Institutions, the UIM President, Ralf Froehling, chose to send a communication to the National Authorities containing a list of sanctions to be applied to those which undertake or recognise WPPA activities, without even taking the trouble to inform IOTA of this decision.”

As the team association acting for and on behalf of all the teams who compete in the Class1 Championship and as the registered worldwide owner of the Class1 logo and name, whose exclusivity must be respected by all parties concerned, IOTA has again confirmed its intention to run a World Championship in 2007 with a minimum of eight races in Europe and the Middle East with the final Calendar being announced at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in January. The Championship will be run under the aegis of the WPPA, requesting the sanctioning of these events by the individual National Authorities, the majority of which have already guaranteed their support. “The activities carried out by Class1 under the organisation of the WPPA cannot cause any damage to the National Authorities who choose to sanction them, nor to their competitors and it is our intention (that of the WPPA and of Class1) to establish a clear and constructive dialogue with the National Authorities in whose areas Class1 events take place, respecting their regulations and directives.” said IOTA General Secretary, Marco Sala, adding. “Considering that the UIM is not the exclusive holder to the rights to powerboat racing worldwide and that it has unilaterally taken the decision not to adhere to Class1’s proposal, the WPPA will, in the near future, take all the necessary steps to establish links with the National Authorities which are interested in hosting professional powerboat racing events and to achieve recognition by the International Sporting Organisations.

“We are certain that this momentum for renewal which IOTA and the WPPA have tried to bring to the current Institutions will, in any event, be welcomed by the National Authorities, who fully understand the value which the sport’s pinnacle class – which must be managed at professional level – adds to the foundations of the whole sporting movement, a goal which remains fundamental to every Manager and Sporting Institution.”

[POO !!!]

This is really nice ! An informative thread about something I am very passionate about . I hope We moderate this with" intelligence VS club loyalty " . We need what is best to grow the sport as quickly as possible . If any just want their own way ,or to be a dinosaur with no vision !!! Lets leave 'em behind .

I think I will enjoy reading what you all have to say .

My name is .MICHAEL DAVID GORDON , I reside in Key West Florida .I have been associated with many teams over the years . I'm still freinds with all of them . It would be nice to see others actual names just to make it a little more personal . :)

The real reason I decided to post a reply here was due to the number of Guys on here from different countries . Blows me away ,I hope we keep adding .

You will truly enjoy John Haggins freinds ship . He has no hidden agendas whatso ever . He is exactly who he says he is . ( a nut LOL :D ) So welcome him with open arms and a smile . Also I know most of you have probably met Steve Curtis ,but wait till you meet Tom Abrams ( steves USA driver Reliable carriers ) . He is another truly nice racer who helps out with our vision . TO BE TELEVISED !!! :D

[Rupert Munro]

It would be nice to see others actual names just to make it a little more personal . :)



Well I'm Rupert Munro (London) and Ben Mazur is Ben Mazur and I guess Andree is Andree :D .

Looks as though this could be a very interesting development though, as you say hope its handled the right way.

Nice to meet you Michael

[Ben Mazur]

If members wish to post their actual names that's fine. If they don't that's OK too as I'm sure there are many people who would like to remain anonymous so they can post information that they might feel they otherwise could not.

We believe our moderation will enable all views to be entertained. Controversial opinions are to be encouraged as a fair debate encompassing all sides can only be good for our sport.

And really 'Rupert Munro' can't be a real name. :D

[Rupert Munro]

And really 'Rupert Munro' can't be a real name. :D

Caught again! :D

[Top Banana]

Can we hope at all for any return to open ocean racing again?

I know it is not the racers, who will race anywhere, but lately this up and down the beach concept, seems to have taken over and changed the sport....I hope the racers of today really get an opportunity to race out in the open ocean again.

[Ben Mazur]

You've done a lot of open ocean racing Top Banana. 'Searace' the offshore bible mentions a few. Which ones were your favorites?

[kiwiracer]

WPPA is probably a good idea.
Maybe it is unfortunate that the catalyst for its formation was basically over an appeal.
Am I right in this?

[ducktail]

Quote by kiwiracer concerning foundation of new race associations/WPPA:
"Maybe it is unfortunate that the catalyst for its formation was basically over an appeal.
Am I right in this?"

I looked for a poll function which the forum doesnt seem to have. If you want a survey concerning this question you might do a poll on another forum which has that function as you seem to be a racer. I am just a fan, no racer, and would rather not do that myself. You or another racer are certainly free to do that.

[Rupert Munro]

There should be a poll function - maybe Ben could set this up if not.

[Jon fuller]

To post a poll, you must start a new thread.
Polls are enabled on this site, I just tried starting a new thread, and 'Poll' was one of the options.

[Ben Mazur]

from 'World of Powerboats'

http://www.worldofpowerboats.com/General_News/General_News.asp?EnhanceA=NEWS%20ARTICLE%20DETAILS&RecordID=384

[ducktail]

One of the next meetings seems to be at the Düsseldorf Boat Show at the 24th of January 14:00 h at the booth or by the Class 1 Sponsor Marinetek Finland. There seems to be the press release (please verify that yourself whether its actually there and time).
I might post some articles on german concerning the procedure. Anybody interested?

[ducktail]

The first press pictures of the Boat Show which starts today. The pictures are strictly copyrighted:

http://www.mediadb.org/press/boot/assets.html;jsessionid=9C005D5CFA6F850450889B28B0B 5A834

(third picture fourth row)

The Mercury company caused severe arguments between this race team and UIM by delivering motors with more hp than ordered, is that right? Does anybody know whether Mercury already apologised towards the UIM board, president, executives...??

[Rupert Munro]

I guess the copyright means you cant post them - i managed to look at one of the pictures and now im locked out of the site... "Ihre Sitzung wurde wegen einer Zugangsrechteverletzung beendet" - guess that means you have to register or something along those lines.

[ducktail]

I got the same message when I tried to get to the second pic page. For watching all pages one needs a password. :(

[ducktail]

One more try: Click under boot 2007 (left upper corner) on "Presse-Service", then under "Presse Fotos" click on "mehr dazu". Picture of the catamaran from Qatar is now on the second page.

http://www.boot.de/cipp/md_boot/custom/pub/content,lang,1/oid,155/ticket,g_u_e_s_t

[Rupert Munro]

cool, that worked, thanks

[Ben Mazur]

I found the site a bit easier to negotiate when I clicked on the 'English' button along the top. :D

[Rupert Munro]

so it is... :rolleyes:

[Ben Mazur]

The first press pictures of the Boat Show which starts today. The pictures are strictly copyrighted:

http://www.mediadb.org/press/boot/assets.html;jsessionid=9C005D5CFA6F850450889B28B0B 5A834

(third picture fourth row)

The Mercury company caused severe arguments between this race team and UIM by delivering motors with more hp than ordered, is that right? Does anybody know whether Mercury already apologised towards the UIM board, president, executives...??

Thanks for the link ducktail.

I seem to recall that the Mercs were more powerful than allowed under the rules but when dyno tests were performed, so were some of the Lamborghinis.

[ducktail]

Thank you for the kind words. I didnt post the link in european forums. That would have been advertisement, but the readers here in the US will hardly jump over the pond now.
This link shows the engines of class 1. Does someone know whether the ordering teams/delivering companies (Lamborghini, Mercury...) apologise that they caused so much trouble?

http://www.class1uk.co.uk/engine.php

[Ben Mazur]

Here's a message from a Royal Yachting Association safety officer.

On 16th January, there was a meeting at RYA HQ between WPPA, UIM & RYA representatives. Instigated by ORC members.

The RYA ORC is encouraging UIM & WPPA to maintain dialogue. WPPA have never publicly stated they wish to break away from UIM. Their initial approach actually asked for UIM recognition.

The recent change of UIM President will certainly change the situation!

[Ben Mazur]

From Dave Sewell

UIM TO MEET WPPA IN DUBAI
12th February 2007 - Poole, UK. Following a meeting by UIM administrators in Paris in which sveral important topics were discussed, it was agreed a delegation of three UIM administrators would visit Dubai in late February and meet up with Saeed Hareb, chairman of the WPPA and members of the WPPA board in an attempt to bring the two sides together for the betterment of the sport. The American APBA has been affiliated to the UIM for many years so there appears no reason why the WPPA cannot be accomadated in much the same way. Hareb has always said that he was quite prepared to co-operate under an UIM umbrella but the UIM seemed adament that they wanted the new organisation to be cast adrift. However with changes in the UIM hierarchy, perhaps peace can be restored.
If their differences can be resolved, the World Class 1 Series would presumably be recognised by the UIM. However Turkey's Ugur Isik, who is a member of the UIM Board of Administrators is frantically trying to establish a UIM Class 1 Series and we understand has proclaimed interest from Australia, New Zealand, Norway and USA. It's unlikely the UIM would sanction two world titles for the premier Class 1 division and furthermore, Mr Isik has already been an unsuccessful UIM promoter of the World Class 1 Series

[kiwiracer]

maybe a new class 1 that is more affordable, twin 525efi mercury's, the cats with this power here in NZ are reaching speeds of 120mph

[Ben Mazur]

Class I engines are I believe now supposed to be about 850hp. It would would be great to see a larger fleet and if downsizing to 525hp would put more boats on the water it has to be a good thing. I was watching a video recently of the 1992 Class I series and there were 28 or so boats at each start. That's pretty exciting stuff.

There seems to be an interesting mix here in the US at the moment. OSS Cat Lite (525hp) lists 11 entries with OSS Cat (750hp) also at 11. SBI on the other hand has according to their website 1 Superboat (750hp) and 3 Supercats (525hp) so its difficult to see exactly which way things are going.

How were Taupo and Maraeta?

[Ben Mazur]

Here's the latest press release from Class 1. It seems that this situation will be resolved one way or the other by March 1st.

13/02/2007

UIM AND WPPA TO HOLD FURTHER TALKS

Tuesday, 13 February: WPPA’s Chairman, Saeed Hareb, General Secretary Sid Bensalah and IOTA General Secretary, Marco Sala, met with members of the UIM Council in Paris (Sunday 11 February) with both organisations looking to see if there was common ground to try to resolve the current issues between the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship and the sport’s governing body.

The invitation to the WPPA from the UIM to attend the meetings, chaired by Charles Strang, UIM Senior Vice President and acting Chairman, was prompted by moves from several National Authorities in favour of retaining links with the premier class in world powerboat racing and is seen as a positive step by Hareb and Sala. “We have maintained from the outset that Class 1 wanted to remain under the umbrella of the UIM,” commented Marco Sala. “Listening to certain comments in the meeting it was clear that there had been some miscommunication within the UIM regarding the situation so we made our position very clear. I believe that our comments were well received by the majority of UIM Council members and that we have established that there is common ground and room for further discussion. If the UIM want Class 1 we are here.”

The WPPA and the UIM have agreed to a further round of discussions to try to find a solution for the WPPA and Class 1 to remain under the auspices of the UIM which will be held in Dubai on 24 and 25 February with Raffaele Chiulli, Pleasure Navigation Committee Chairman from Italy, Sami Abu Shaikha, Council Member from Qatar and Per Benson, Cominoff Chairman from Sweden representing the UIM with the WPPA and IOTA represented by Saeed Hareb, Marco Sala and Sid Bensalah. The outcome of the meeting will be confirmed by 1 March. “This opportunity to negotiate, which IOTA had strongly sought in Kuala Lumpur, has finally been achieved, demonstrating that there are some genuine changes within the UIM. It is a source of great regret that we have lost three months, leading to some confusion amongst the National Authorities who would like to sanction Class 1 activities. We are certain that those who have been charged by the UIM to negotiate will be able to understand and accept the original WPPA Project”. said Sala.

[Ben Mazur]

The UIM and WPPA have reached an agreement.

http://www.worldofpowerboats.com/UIMWPPAFORMWORKINGPARTY.htm

[Ben Mazur]

Here's the full press release from Class 1.


WPPA AND UIM SIGN DRAFT AGREEMENT TO FORM JOINT WORKING GROUP

Tuesday, 27 February: Following meetings in Dubai last week, representatives of the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) and the WPPA (World Professional Powerboating Association) have signed a draft agreement for the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship to remain under the auspices of the UIM. The proposal will be presented to the UIM Council for acceptance by March 9.

Meeting at the DIMC (Dubai International Marine Club), the delegates, Raffaele Chiulli, Pleasure Navigation Committee Chairman from Italy, Sami Abu Shaikha, Council Member from Qatar and Per Benson, Cominoff Chairman from Sweden, representing the UIM and Saeed Hareb, WPPA President; Marco Sala, Rory Power and Sid Bensalah, WPPA Council members along with WPPA Advisor, Camille Chamoun, agreed to form a Joint Working Group with three representatives from each side looking to foster a synergy and close working relationship.

The terms of the cooperation state that the WPPA will recognise the UIM as the sole international governing body for Powerboating and will run their activities under the UIM umbrella, and that the UIM recognises the capacity and exclusivity of the WPPA in regulating and managing Class 1 and other World Championship Powerboat events with IOTA retaining the worldwide, commercial and Television rights of Class 1.

The WPPA also agreed that during all racing events it will uphold the image of the UIM and should the 2007 season be a successful venture the parties will broaden their cooperation to extend beyond the season.

Taking the meeting to another level, both parties agreed to work constructively and to consult with each other in a transparent manner and in good faith in order to further develop and promote the sport. “IOTA is very pleased with the outcome of the meeting and the positive approach adopted by both sides to broker an agreement,” commented IOTA General Secretary, Marco Sala. “It is clear that the delegates appointed by the UIM to negotiate with us understand and accept the original proposals set out by the WPPA in July last year and again at the UIM General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, which are the foundation of this agreement.

“We are confident that the UIM Council will accept the recommendations of their delegation and we look forward to working closely with the UIM and to a successful partnership of the new working group.”

[SHARKEYMARINE]

Now if we can only see something like that happen within the USA......

It's nice to see they are willing to work together...

Good for UIM, Good for WPPA = Great for the sport of Offshore!

[Ben Mazur]

This is turning into the never-ending saga. It seems the agreement might have fallen apart.

13/03/2007

UIM FAIL TO RESPOND TO WPPA/UIM AGREEMENT DEADLINE

Tuesday, 13 March: The WPPA and IOTA have expressed their bitter disappointment at the lack of communication from the UIM and their failure to respond to the 9 March deadline agreed by all parties at their last meeting in Dubai on 24 February to find a solution for the coexistence of the WPPA under the UIM umbrella. “In Dubai, we witnessed both the goodwill and the competence of the UIM Delegation presided over by Raffaele Chiulli, well supported by Sami Abu Shaikha and Per Benson, with whom a solution was reached which, in our opinion, is not only acceptable, but could also provide a model for improvement for the whole Institution,” said IOTA General Secretary, Marco Sala.

“Unfortunately, as of today – 12 March – we have received no official news from the UIM and the news we have heard on an unofficial basis is certainly of no comfort; in fact, as far as we understand, the UIM Council has not yet been requested to vote on the document drawn up by the Dubai Working Group and supported by the Delegation which they had appointed.”

IOTA has stated that they are not in a position to accept any agreement other than that which has been proposed and any further delay to the timeframe within which the decision can be taken is unacceptable due to commitments already given to Teams, Local Organisers and Sponsors for the 2007 Class 1 season. “If the UIM is not in a position to find a definitive solution with regard to the WPPA in the next few hours we will be forced to continue without them,” said Sala. “IOTA reiterates its total support of the WPPA project for the realization of the 2007 Class 1 Championship and is confident that the National Authorities will note the fact that, from our side (WPPA and IOTA) every possible step has been taken in our endeavours to avoid breaking away from the UIM.”

[ducktail]

This quotation is from OSO, member is running www.weismann.net:

"Victoryteam has not been happy since QATAR had those "hot" merc motors that cost Victory the championship.
Keep us posted if you can.
pat W"

I would like to mention that representing officials of a sanctioning body can NOT continue to deal according to the self made rules of the body as soon as national laws are touched by one or more race teams. According to a statement above both brands of motors used in Class 1 have failed the dyno tests - perhaps one can not take any side in this case.
Independent of this case one should acknowledge that a sanctioning body (president, council...) has to face a lawsuit as soon as any kind of fraud... is involved and the sanctioning body doesnt do anything against it. No judge pays any attention to the self made rules as soon as five figure race purses are involved.

[Ben Mazur]

Some further insight from Dave Sewell

When UIM Administrators Raffaele Chiulle and Per Benson returned from Dubai after their meeting with WPPA officials, most of us were under the impression they had reached a satisfactory agreement that the two organisations would co-operate for the good of the sport and and that the situation would be reviewed at the UIM General Assembly in November.
However we now believe, when Mr Chiulle and Mr Benson reported back to UIM headquarters, their fellow administrators decided that the agreement was not what they wanted and the WPPA would remain a breakway group.
What is even more surprising is that it is rumoured, UIM Administrator Ugar Isik has claimed he has pledges from Australia, America, Norway and the UK to support a UIM World Class 1 Series. If the UIM has that level of support for Class 1, why were these teams not getting involved in the championship when it was under the UIM banner. For the last few years, Class 1 has struggled to attract more than ten boats.
How does John Carbonell's SBI - APBA enjoy affiliation to the UIM and compete under their own set of rules, yet the WPPA are not recognised.

[Ben Mazur]

It's official. Class 1 says bye bye to the UIM.



TIME RUNS OUT ON UIM-WPPA AGREEMENT

Wednesday, 21 March, MILAN (Italy): The WPPA and IOTA have jointly announced that they will run the 2007 Class 1 World Powerboat Championship under the aegis of the World Professional Powerboating Association only.

The decision taken by the WPPA and IOTA Boards is a direct result of the absolute failure of the sport’s Monaco-based world governing body, the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique), either to respond to the March 9 deadline agreed by representatives of its own appointed Working Group, or to accept the recommendations they had formulated with the WPPA and IOTA in Dubai in an attempt to broker an agreement of reconciliation between all parties for the long-term good of the sport. “It is with great regret that we note that no response has been received to the communications sent on 12th March by both the WPPA and IOTA, requesting a reply to the proposed UIM WPPA agreement drawn up by the Dubai Working Group and submitted to the UIM for consideration on 24th February,” commented IOTA General Secretary, Marco Sala, adding,

“Considering that the deadline for the reply had been indicated as being 9th March, we feel that this silence on the part of the UIM is not only unprofessional, but also demonstrates a lack of common courtesy.

“The failure of the UIM to provide any official communication seems even more incomprehensible, given that many National Authorities have, on several occasions, expressed the view that they are in favour of the solution found in Dubai and we have the confirmation that the majority of the Council Members is favourable to the proposal formulated by the UIM/WPPA Working Group in Dubai.

“In any event, and as already communicated to the UIM on more than one occasion, the commitments which have been made by both the WPPA and IOTA in order to organise the 2007 Class 1 World Powerboat Championship do not permit us to wait any longer for the UIM’s reply and therefore, the Class 1 season will run under the aegis of the WPPA only.”

Despite the efforts of both the WPPA and IOTA to maintain a constructive dialogue with the UIM in order to reach an agreement following the breakdown of discussions in Kuala Lumpur last year, when the UIM retracted its support of the initial proposal agreed to by a senior UIM Official in Arendal, Norway, the WPPA and IOTA have been left with no alternative other than to run the Championship autonomously. “The Class 1 Teams, the WPPA and IOTA owe a vote of thanks to the UIM Delegates who worked with us and who had identified a possible solution, as well as to the National Authorities who supported it, understanding the spirit of renewal of the Institution which the WPPA project entailed,” said Marco Sala.

“It is our hope that the new UIM management will eventually be able to distinguish between those who make unrealistic plans and those who operate in a professional manner and with continuity for the development of the Sport, giving credit to the latter. Only under these conditions can there be any hope of a future reconciliation with Class 1.

“Furthermore, we are confident that the National Authorities will be ready to welcome the WPPA as a positive innovation and to give the Association every support for the successful implementation of its activities.”

[Ben Mazur]

I guess it's not over till it's over. This info from World of Powerboats.

UIM COUNCIL OVERTURN EXECUTIVE

UIM Council members Raffaele Chiulli, Per Benson and Sami Abu Shaikha met with WPPA officials in Dubai in early March, to try and negotiate some form of working relationship. After what appeared to be a successful meeting Messrs. Chuille and Benson reported back to UIM HQ in Monaco with their proposals and what we believe was a 10 to 8 agreement by Council members, the UIM Executive over-ruled the decision and it appeared any working relationship plans were scuppered.
We are led to understand that in an unprecendented move, the UIM Council members demanded that the Executive reverse their decision and we think that now, plans are being discussed by the Council to meet up again with WPPA officiasl to discuss future plans.
Maybe the WPPA no longer feel they want to meet the UIM after the dealine set was ignored but hopefully for the good of the sport, the two sides will agree on some form of relationship.

[Ben Mazur]

UIM press release 3/30/07

[Ben Mazur]

How the WPPA sees it.

05/04/2007

STILL NO RESPONSE FROM UIM TO WPPA/IOTA – WHY?

Thursday, 5 April: The WPPA and IOTA Boards have formally expressed their disappointment and surprise at the action undertaken by the UIM in issuing a press release on the on-going and still unresolved situation between the parties, without having sent any official communication to either party involved in the negotiations. “As of today, not only has no official communication been received, but the UIM Secretariat has taken care of attempting to clarify the UIM's position by means of a press release.” said IOTA General Secretary, Marco Sala. “The WPPA and IOTA had agreed to reconsider an agreement if the UIM accepted the spirit of the WPPA project, which the Kuala Lumpur document had totally negated, and to continue discussions based on the recommendations proposed by the UIM’s own delegation.”

With the start of the Class 1 season drawing ever closer, it was pointed out to the UIM that due to the commitments undertaken for the organisation of the Class 1 World Championship, a clear answer on the matter was required with no delay. It was therefore agreed that the definitive reply from the UIM would be given by 9th March. “On 12 March, the UIM was requested to provide an official reply but once again there was no response. And so on the 20 March a communication was sent to the UIM and the National Authorities to inform them that due to absolute failure of the UIM to communicate any form of official response, the Class 1 World Championship would be run under the aegis of the WPPA.” confirmed Sala.

What is baffling everyone is that on the same date, the Chairman of the UIM Delegation - Raffaele Chiulli - informed the WPPA and IOTA that the UIM Council, when consulted on the Executive Committee's recommendation to reject the proposal put forward by the Dubai Working Group, had voted with the majority not in favour of the Executive Committee's position, thus opening the door once again for negotiations to continue.

Yet again, the WPPA and IOTA requested a formal communication which would clarify the UIM's position vis-a-vis the WPPA project – but again no response. “The press release issued by the UIM, which starts off by accusing the WPPA and IOTA of circulating "misleading publications", clearly expresses the view of a minority of the Council and informs neither the press nor the National Authorities of the text of the Working Agreement drawn up by the Dubai Working Group, made up of the UIM Delegation and representatives of the WPPA and IOTA.” said Sala, adding. “For absolute clarity the eight points contained therein outlining terms of cooperation proposed by the UIM’s delegation are as follows:

1. The WPPA will recognize the role of the UIM as the sole international governing body for powerboating and will run its activities under the umbrella of the UIM;

2. For the 2007 season, the UIM recognizes the capacity and exclusivity of the WPPA in regulating and managing Class One and World and International Powerboat Championship Events. For avoidance of doubt, the UIM Technical Rules approved at the Kuala Lumpur General Assembly (i.e. 2006) will be applied;

3. The commercial and TV rights of Class1 are owned by IOTA;

4. As a governing body, the UIM shall be entitled to a fee to be agreed upon between both parties;

5. The WPPA will uphold the image of the UIM and its presence during all racing events in a way to be agreed upon between both parties;

6. Should the cooperation be successful between the UIM and the WPPA, the parties may broaden their cooperation and extend beyond 2007;

7. In order to improve and further promote powerboating activities, both parties shall agree to exchange and share knowledge and expertise; and

8. Both parties agree to work constructively and consult each other in a transparent manner and in good faith.

“Unfortunately, we see that the efforts and perseverance of Raffaele Chiulli, supported by the MAJORITY OF THE COUNCIL and the clear will of National Authorities, such as those representing Italy, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Norway and the United Arab Emirates, to name only the principal Federations who have clearly declared their support for the WPPA and therefore, for reform of the Institution, have not been sufficient to persuade the current management to relinquish the position of power in which it has become entrenched.

“It is equally clear that, in bringing about a severance from Class 1, a minority of the UIM is seeking to support an alternative project of one of its own members which, for anyone who knows the realities of professional powerboat racing, has no chance of success.

“Aside from all the controversy, which is of little interest to those involved in sport, we are convinced that the WPPA represents the future and that Class 1 will continue to offer events of a spectacular and professional nature at the highest level all over the world.

“It is this which is clearly of prime interest to the National Authorities, to whom we continue to turn for their much-needed support and whose authority we have demonstrated we wish to recognise and respect.

“We are further convinced that the UIM will soon be reformed and at that point, the WPPA and Class 1 will certainly be willing to take up, once again, the negotiations which today, a minority persists in scuppering.”