The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) has confirmed the details of the eagerly awaited technical rule changes that will shape the future direction of the Class 1 World Offshore Championship. The announcement, made by Richard Ridout, 

 

Chairman of the World Offshore Championship Committee (WOCC), addressed the key issues of engine specification, hull dimensions and minimum weights and controlled fuel. “This is a very significant step for the future development of Class 1,” he said. “We have taken a long hard look at where the sport is and where it is going. I believe that we have produced a set of rules that meet all the issues raised by the teams and I am very optimistic about the future.”

The decision to review the existing technical structure of Class 1 was brought about following a request from the teams at the end of last season to look into ways and means of achieving greater parity within the sport, to increase competition, to reduce costs and improve reliability. The new rulings that will be implemented for the 2003 season, follow months of discussion and meetings with some of the world’s most prominent engine manufacturers involved in top-flight motorsport, not only instigate change but, significantly allows the sport room for future development. “Whilst it was essential to find solutions it was also imperative that Class 1 maintains its status as the ultimate leading edge racing series and is still very much viewed as a class with opportunities for development.” commented Ridout.

The most singular rule implementation sees the Class 1 fleet move to a petrol only class with the fuel supplied at all rounds by an appointed contractor, the only real option open to the sport, said Edoardo Polli, President of the International Offshore Team Association (IOTA). “One issue the sport faced was that of resolving the question of parity between petrol and diesel engined boats. This was irresolvable. It was simply a case of one or other.”

Further moves to bring parity on the water looked at engine specification with the WOCC confirming that only normally aspirated engines of 8.2litre (500cu in) capacity with no forced induction other than that of the air intake of the engine with a single orifice air restrictor with a bore of 64mm will be permitted in 2003. “The rulings are in no way intended to be restrictive but expansive,” said Richard Ridout. “By introducing specific parameters and by controlling the fuel and reducing the horsepower we are addressing both issues of parity and reliability. We have listened at length to engine manufacturers from all over the world and taken onboard their comments and we are encouraged by their increasing interest in the sport.”

The new rulings relating to hull dimensions also opens up the way for change and development but at the same time by no means closes the door on the existing fleet. In order to be eligible to compete in the 2003 season, hulls built after January 1, 2001 must measure between 40ft and 44ft and weigh a minimum of 4650kgs. Whilst existing hulls built prior to January 1, 2001 measuring between 39ft 4ins and 48ft and weighing a minimum of 4650kgs will be grandfathered out indefinitely. In order to keep the door open and possibly with at least one eye fixed on the American fleet, the WOCC has stated that they will consider making a specific dispensation to other hull/engine combinations looking to compete in Class 1.

Further emphasising the expansive nature of the new rulings and to ensure room for development within Class 1, gearboxes with four shiftable forward ratios may be permitted, but must be homologated by the UIM and approved for use in the Class 1 World Offshore Championship by the WOCC and IOTA. “The future development of our sport is crucial but we must also look to maintain sensible economies of scale at all levels of its development,” said WOCC Chairman, Richard Ridout. “As far as engine components are concerned we will be limiting the use of certain exotic, high cost materials and the parameters for gearbox development are currently under investigation with the emphasis on cost, reliability, production and support.”

Below,  the response from Nathan Knight, Managing Director, Offshore Sport Promotion (OSP)

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OSP WELCOMES NEW RULES FOR CLASS 1

Offshore Sport Promotion (OSP), the worldwide television and commercial rights holder and promoter of the UIM Class 1 World Offshore Powerboat Championship, today welcomed the new rule changes for Class 1 announced by the sport’s governing body, the Union Internationale Motonautique . 
Nathan Knight, OSP's Managing Director,  believes that the rule changes are essential to the future development and success of Class 1 and applauded the efforts of the UIM in achieving a fine balance between cost containment and sporting development. “We were at a point in Class 1 where the escalating costs to be competitive were acting as a barrier to new team entry. This was obviously not in the best interests of the sport. By addressing the issues of parity and cost concerns the new rules should now promote new entrants to the sport and increased competition on the water. This will ultimately improve the overall product.”

Knight also believes that the new rules will encourage greater commercial support for the sport. “It has always been apparent to me that to encourage engine manufacturers and other suppliers to support the sport, the sport had to present them with a degree of certainty that if they made the investment the sport's rules would remain consistent. With these rules, that were consulted widely within the marine industry and racing community, we now have set out the parameters for the future development of the sport. It has never been our intention to take technology out of the sport; only to create the structures whereby future development and overall growth can take place in a controlled manner that promotes the sport rather than harming the competition. Considering the interest the sport is now receiving from within the marine industry, I think we have succeeded in finding a good balance."