APBA and UIM Reinforce Global Partnership in Offshore Racing

By: Dana Potts | Marketing Director | May 6, 2025

Photo: APBA Offshore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Keltec Thunder on Cocoa Beach” Kicks Off Series

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, May 6, 2025 — The American Power Boat Association (APBA) Offshore category is entering a new era of racing. New opportunities opened the possibility to offer APBA World and Continental Championships alongside the UIM Class 1 World Championship Series.

For years, Offshore racers have wanted to lay claim to a world championship like so many others. APBA — with its oldest promoter partner Powerboat P1 — and Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the only recognized world authority in power boat racing, are elated to announce the first race in this series: “Keltec Thunder on Cocoa Beach.” This longstanding venue is an APBA/P1 Offshore favorite, and APBA — with P1 and UIM — could not be more excited to celebrate their 16th year at Cocoa Beach with the first round of this all-new APBA Continental Championship Series.

Further, in a bold expansion of access and inclusivity, the APBA/UIM World Offshore Championship Series is open to all Offshore classes (except UIM Class 1). This series extends all the way to Bracket Class racers, opening the door for grassroots competitors to chase World Championship titles. The UIM Class 1 World Championship series is promoted by Powerboat P1 as a part of the Triple Crown series.

The 2025 USA races being considered for the new APBA Continental Championship Series and the APBA Offshore World Championship Series are:

• Cocoa Beach, Florida, May 15-17.

• New Orleans, Louisiana, June 25-29.

• Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Aug. 8-10.

• St. Petersburg, Florida, Sept. 4-6.

• Englewood, Florida, Oct. 10-12.

Details regarding race formats and scoring will be released in the coming weeks.

“We remain focused on delivering world-class events for our teams, fans and partners,” said Thomas Covington of Powerboat P1, the official promoter of the UIM Class 1 Series. “With new corporate sponsors such as Progressive and continued backing from Monster Energy and Mercury Racing, we’re confident in the future of Powerboat P1, APBA and the UIM Class 1 World Championship Series,” said Covington.

“The final details of these spectacular Offshore racing events are still being finalized and will be announced soon. Any additional Class 1 races on the APBA Offshore calendar will count toward a UIM-recognized Continental Championship,” said Thomas Kurth, secretary general of UIM.

In a recent, unanimous vote, the APBA Board of Directors reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its century-long partnership with UIM. This renewed alignment ensures APBA classes have greater access to globally recognized world championship and world record opportunities, reinforcing APBA’s mission to grow and elevate the sport at every level.

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Established in 1903, APBA sanctions more than 130 events annually, supports over 80 member clubs and promoters, and serves a passionate membership of over 5,000 individuals. In 2024, APBA proudly inducted its 50th Hall of Champions class honoring those who demonstrate unmatched skill, sportsmanship and achievement in power boat racing. Over the past 100 years, many American drivers in many disciplines have won multiple UIM Championships.

About the Union Internationale Motonautique: UIM is the world governing body for all power boating activities. UIM is fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is a member of the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), for which UIM President, Dr. Raffaele Chiulli also serves as President. The UIM has 65 affiliated national federations — Circuit, Offshore, Pleasure Navigation, Aquabike and MotoSurf are the main disciplines. UIM has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to further its range of environmental initiatives, share expertise and work together for “greening” the sport

APBA and UIM Reinforce Global Partnership in Offshore Racing

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