- 13 February 2025
The 2025 XCAT World Championship Kicks Off in the UAE with Italian Teams in the Spotlight
The 2025 XCAT World Championship begins in the United Arab Emirates. Two Italian teams will compete for glory in an action-packed season. The Fujairah Team, led by reigning world champions Giuseppe and Rosario Schiano, will defend its 2024 title. The BluBanca Team, featuring seasoned racers Serafino Barlesi and Andrea Comello, will be ready to compete for top honours. With exciting developments and surprises in store, this season promises to be one of the most thrilling yet.
Spectacular Racing and Big Comebacks
The UAE will host the opening race. The high-powered XCAT catamarans, each equipped with two 400-horsepower six-cylinder engines, will compete on a breathtaking hybrid circuit—half in the open sea and half in a lagoon. This unique setting, highly favoured by drivers, ensures an unparalleled spectacle for fans and competitors.
Some legendary names in powerboat racing are joining the Italian teams on the starting grid. Shaun Torrente, a celebrated champion across multiple powerboat disciplines, is back, alongside Gary Ballough, a sport veteran now racing for the Victory Team. The Dubai-based Victory Team is making its presence felt by entering two boats, including one crewed by Emirati pilots, further strengthening local representation.
A Symbolic Team and a Groundbreaking Debut
One of the most talked-about teams this season is the Sharjah Team, not just for its racing potential but for what it represents. Mikhail Kitashev (Russia) and Shaun Torrente (USA) will race together under an Emirati license, making their team a symbol of unity beyond borders. During global tensions, their partnership highlights the power of sport to bring people together.
Another exciting development is the debut of Norwegian racer Marit Stromoy. She is an internationally acclaimed powerboat champion and one of the few female drivers to compete at this level. Her presence adds an extra dimension to the competition, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Innovations That Could Shape the Future of XCAT
This season also introduces a game-changing technological innovation—a prototype “lab boat” with experimental V8 engines (300cc each). This new configuration, which reduces the boat’s weight by approximately 200kg, could set a precedent for the future of XCAT racing, making the boats lighter and more agile.
With top-tier drivers, exciting comebacks, and cutting-edge technology, the 2025 XCAT World Championship delivers pure adrenaline, high-speed battles, and the unmistakable roar of powerboat engines.