The Sun - Malaysia's Powerboat Racing Scene Builds Traction Ahead of 2025 Season

Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin with Theseira (right) before the start of the Royal Pahang F3000 Championship. - Pix credit: Platinum Charters Sdn Bhd

PETALING JAYA: Powerboat racing is rapidly becoming a thrilling sport in Malaysia, often likened to the F1 on water.

Following the success of the Royal Pahang F3000 Championship held in Kuantan in August, Platinum Charters Sdn Bhd is excited to announce the upcoming race season for 2025, promising an exhilarating experience for both participants and spectators.

Platinum Charters is the organiser of the F3000 Championship.

The Royal Pahang F3000 Championship was graced by Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his wife, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, marking a significant endorsement of the sport.

“The Asia Powerboat F3000 is the Malaysian circuit equivalent of F3 boats and is sanctioned by the Asia Powerboat Association (APC),“ stated Patrick Theseira, managing director of Platinum Charters. “We have successfully organised races in various states, including Pahang, Johor, and Kelantan, and look forward to expanding our reach.”

The upcoming season will commence in May 2025, with races scheduled in Port Dickson, Melaka, Kuantan, Johor, and Sarawak, concluding with the final race in either Selangor or Kuala Lumpur in November.

The previous championship attracted over 120,000 spectators over three days, showcasing a blend of local and international talent. “This sport not only promotes motorised water sports but also provides companies a platform for sponsorship and advertising on an international stage,“ Theseira added.

He stressed that the powerboat championship will be a great boost for tourist arrivals and is already a huge event in the Middle East, especially in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Nicole Tan Lee Koon, the Negri Sembilan State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Arts and Culture, expressed her support after witnessing a recent powerboat demonstration in Port Dickson. “Malaysia is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and this sport will surely attract more tourists to our shores. Powerboat racing is an exciting opportunity for our country to engage in a growing and popular sport,“ she remarked, highlighting the potential for increased tourism and local interest.

With a diverse lineup of racers, including international competitors from the United States, New Zealand, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Brunei, the races promise to be a thrilling spectacle.

Local racers from Pahang, Kelantan, and Johor will also showcase their skills, making it a truly inclusive event.

Each race will also incorporate environmental, social, governance (ESG), sustainable tourism and marine conservation initiatives, offering a chance for local youth to engage in global sports while fostering talent development.

Source: https://thesun.my/sport/malaysia-s-powerboat-racing-scene-builds-traction-ahead-of-2025-season-ID13458154