UIM Powerboat Racing World Champions honoured at Annual Awards Ceremony
The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the world governing body for international powerboat racing, has recognised the sport’s reigning world champions at its annual awards ceremony in Monaco.
Hosted by UIM President Dr Raffaele Chiulli, the event saw more than 70 UIM World Champions honoured for their achievements during the 2024 racing season, while a number of special awards were made including the crowning of UIM Driver of the Year Max Cremona and UIM Junior Driver of the Year Nicole Cadei.
With champions gathering from as far afield as Mexico, the USA, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, it was a truly global affair with awards made across several racing disciplines. Ten riders were also acclaimed for their 2024 Aquabike World Rankings.
In addition to pilots competing in circuit racing, pleasure navigation, XCAT, offshore powerboat racing, MotoSurf and Aquabike, the ceremony also saw the crowning of the first world champions in the all-electric powerboat E1 racing series with Finland’s Emma Kimilainen and British driver Sam Coleman lifting the inaugural title.
“The first E1 season was an incredible journey with thrilling races and cuttingedge innovation,” said UIM President Raffaele Chiulli.
“But E1 is more than just competition – it is part of the UIM commitment towards reducing maritime emissions, promoting clean energy, and ultimately protecting our oceans. “The E1 RaceBird boats not only show speed and agility, they also demonstrate that high-performance racing and a commitment to cleaner waters and a greener future can coexist. Our congratulations go to Emma and Sam as the first E1 World Champions in the history of the UIM.”
With their UIM Driver and Junior Driver of the Year awards, veteran two-time F250 World Champion Max Cremona and teenage Aquabike pilot Nicole Cadei made it a double success for Italian powerboat racing, while American Aquabike rider Anthony Radetic received the UIM Equality Ambassador Award.
“After 25 years of competition, this award is not just for me – it’s for my family and everyone that works behind the scenes,” said Cremona. “I may be the one in the boat but this is always a team effort so I want to dedicate this award to all of them.”
For Cadei, the UIM Junior Driver of the Year award rounded off a successful season in Aquabike racing and will motivate
her to continue to push forward and encourage the next generation of riders. “I’m so happy to have won this award – it’s a great honour and I hope I am able to inspire many young people starting out in Aquabike,” she said.
“As the world governing body, the UIM considers our annual awards one of the most important dates on the calendar for
all of us involved in powerboat racing,” added UIM President Chiulli.
“The awards provide us with the opportunity to recognise the commitment, talent, and passion that drive our thrilling
sport and emphases our commitment to sustainability, the development of young talent, fair play, inclusivity and
equality.”
“To all our award winners, I offer my congratulations on their well-deserved success and I hope this recognition ignites
their drive for even greater achievements in the seasons ahead.”
