Even as Amaravati is gearing up to host F1H2O in November, people in the State can’t wait to experience the adrenaline rush the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) event generates.
In the run-up to the UIM Amaravati F1H2O Powerboat Grand Prix, the Tourism Department, which is hosting the event, has planned a series of activities to spread awareness among the local people about the significance of the Grand Prix.
Besides fund raising for charity, a regatta championship race will be organised for the local fishermen, workshops would be conducted on the growing popularity of water tourism and water sports, tourism awards, in association with the State Tourism Department, will be given and exhibitions on water sports and tourism equipment would be held. This is in addition to exciting events such as musical programme, a food fare ‘Taste of Telugu Food,’ a handicrafts exhibition and AP Handloom fashion show, launch of water sports training institute, conducting sports quiz, water cycling and a jet ski show.
“This is to gradually build an awareness among the local people about this international event. After the first grand round of the race in Krishna River on November 16,17 and 18, we intend to make it an annual affair,” said Himanshu Shukla, Director, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).
The tourism officials are counting on this event as they feel that it will put Amaravati on the world sporting map. “This water sport has a significant global audience reach through TV and media coverage; nearly 1 billion international viewers to be precise,” said Mr. Shukla.
Besides attracting huge investments in tourism and allied sectors, it will involve the local community, build greater cross-culture understanding, generate future in-bound travel and most importantly, form a local water sports culture, he said.
Big buzz
F1H2O World Championship is the world’s foremost international series of single-seater inshore circuit formula 1 powerboat racing, started in 1981. The series attracts up to 20 of the world’s leading drivers and is a sport that has to be seen to be believed as these diminutive tunnel-hull catamarans enter hairpin turns at over 90mph and top 140mph on the straights.
Each race lasts about 45 minutes following a circuit marked out in a selected stretch of water, usually a lake, river, dock or sheltered bay.