Marc Anthony's team rule the waves on Day 1 of the E1 Jeddah Grand Prix

The UIM E1 World Championship has arrived on the Red Sea and has wowed crowds on the opening day of competition at the E1 Jeddah GP.

The Team Miami RaceBird, piloted by American Anna Glennon and Swede Erik Stark, owned by legendary singer songwriter Marc Anthony, completed the course in 6:23:33. Pipping to the post Team Rafa, who came in just ten seconds behind Team Miami, took second place during qualification with a time of 6:33.62

The world's first all-electric raceboat championship sees eight teams battle it out in high-octane racing across two days in Jeddah to become 'Champions of the Water'.

Season one will dock in some of the most breath-taking coastal cities across the world – with seven races scheduled in its debut year in a Race to Hong Kong – culminating on 9 and 10 November.

Marc Anthony, who was out on the water in Jeddah cheering on his team, said: "What an incredible first day in Jeddah and a tremendous performance by Anna and Erik to come out top, beating stiff competition by Team Rafa. This sport has unbelievable potential. We are going all out for the win on the final day of the GP tomorrow."

Pilot, Anna Glennon added: "I felt like I was flying on the water in the RaceBird today and am delighted that Erik and I were able to put in a strong performance on day one. We make a tremendous team and can't wait to turn up again tomorrow and hopefully bring the first ever E1 cup home for Marc and Team Miami."

Rodi Basso, Co-Founder and CEO of E1 said: "The first day of racing in Jeddah was exhilarating and the competition fierce as the teams battled it out during qualification. The speed, skill and dedication of the pilots was evident as Team Miami came out on top. Our mission to drive change through this brilliant new sport – and sports entertainment – continues tomorrow with our final day under the Saudi sun."

Anna Glennon, hailing from the Lake of the Ozarks, USA, Anna Glennon is a professional jet ski racer. Her achievements include being crowned a World Champion and 8-time US and Canadian Champion. 

Erik Stark was born and raised in Stockholm. He is a professional powerboat racer with more than 23 years' experience of driving boats. He is a six-time world champion and four-time European champion.

Full time results:

Position Team Time

1 Team Miami Powered by Magnus 6.23.33

2 Team Rafa 6.33.62

3 Team Brazil By Claure Group 6.39.44

4 Team Drogba 6.40.07

5 Team Brady 6.40.12

6 Team Blue Rising 6.44.66

7 Aoki Racing Team 6.55.73

8 Sergio Perez E1 Team 7.10.55