XCAT World Series Expands Internationally with Stop in Italy

After announcing the first international XCAT World Series race in the town of Stresa, Italy, (from left) WPPA Vice President
Dr. Khalid Al Zahed, Stresa Mayor Canio Di Milia and General Secretary of the WPPA Sid Bensalah pose for a photo.

The stunning location of Stresa, Italy, will be the next stop on the Union Internationale Motonautique XCAT World Series after event organizers—the World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA)—announced a partnership with the Italian town.

This marks the first time in XCAT series history that a race is taking place outside of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Stresa event (Aug. 30-Sept. 1) will take place on Italy’s second largest lake, Lago Maggiore. According to a WPPA press release, this isn’t just a significant move expanding internationally, but it also marks an important link between Italy and the UAE.

“Stresa is just around 65 kilometers from Milan, host of the 2015 World Expo. And with Dubai bidding to host the 2020 edition of the Expo, we feel this is a strategic partnership, not only in terms of the Expo but also in establishing a platform for business opportunities,” said WPPA President Dr. Saif Al Ketbi.

WPPA Vice President Dr. Khalid Al Zahed added that the Italian Powerboating Federation is backing the event 100 percent and that the town of Stresa is excited to host an XCAT World Series event on its shores.

The hosting agreement, which was signed by Stresa mayor Canio Di Milia and Al Zahed, will see XCAT action taking place at the venue for the next three years, with the option to extend the agreement further.

“It is fantastic to see the Series growing from being purely UAE-based in the past, “Al Zahed said. “We really believe it will take off in a big way as we reach into the European and global market. And with property developers Emaar recently coming on board as a main sponsor, the Series is going from strength to strength. Watch out for more exciting developments.”

Three rounds of the 2013 XCAT World Series have already taken place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai-based Fazza still leads the series standings with 830 points, while Mouawad 50 is second with 671 points and Victory Team is third with 525 points.