XCAT drivers and boats are in Zhengzhou, China ready to get into action for the first time in 2017 on a narrow, tight circuit, on the flat water of Long Hu (“Dragon Lake”).

The reigning Champion, former Victory Team driver Arif al Zaffein will be defending his title with Scott Williams from Britain, with a completely new team and boat managed by Rory Power.

The fleet will also boast the Victory Team, Team Abu Dhabi, Swecat Racing, and the new 222 Offshore team who will carry the name of the local organisers, Baia Blu d’Oriente.

There are two teams from Italy (Al & Al and Fujairah Racing) as well as competition from Australia, Russia, Spain and Kuwait.

Brett Luhrmann who represents the XCAT drivers’ association said:

For us there are many factors to be excited about, as this season we all have the new engines and some teams have new boats as well.
In addition, the level of the drivers is higher and higher, so the competition will be very tough.
We are eager to go in the water and start our engines.

Riccardo la Cognata speaking on behalf of the series promoter, the UIM:

This year the Championship has the lowest possible environmental impact, thanks to the adoption of modern green engines, while safety reaches new levels with the introduction of brand new cockpits designed by the best engineers in the field.