Guido Cappellini won the 71st edition of the Pavia-Venice Raid, the longest powerboating competition in the world (413 km) in inland waters, organized by the Pavia Motorboating Association in collaboration with the Venice Powerboat Association.
The pilot of the AbuDhabi Marine Sports team prevailed over the other participants – 148 crews competing, coming from all over the world such as the United States, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates – crossing the finish line with a time of 1h45’39. Gianluca Roda of the Yacht Club Como – MILA (2h10’01) and Christian Cesati of the Club Nautico Gabbiane (2h12’23) completed the podium.
Great satisfaction for Angelo Poma (Vice President of the Organizing Committee): «Despite the adverse weather conditions, which forced us to move the finish line and the location of the awards ceremony, this edition of the Raid was also a great success for the entertainment and the public» .
«We experienced an extraordinary event, all together! The last minute changes in logistics which involved the entire organization with 100 boats in tow, the adverse weather conditions, the teams, the mechanics, the spectators…everyone demonstrated their great passion for powerboating, writing a page in the history of this sport, making solidarity win” said Giampaolo Montavoci (President of the Venice Motorboating Association), adding: “Everyone has demonstrated to the whole world the value of the principles that bind us to this sporting discipline; unity is strength. This is the powerboating we want!
«The award ceremony – continued Montavoci – was a magical moment, the culmination of all our efforts. It’s a shame it couldn’t be held at the Venice Arsenal, but the Salone Nautico, our partner, understood the difficulties and was close to us. However, we have agreed to meet next year for the celebrations, with a large trophy to be dedicated to the passion shown by the many participants, who joyfully celebrated the conclusion of a memorable day.”
The motorboating event was created thanks to the support of the Lombardy Region, the Chamber of Commerce of Pavia and the Municipality of Pavia, the Emilia Romagna Region, the Veneto Region, the Municipality of Venice and the Interregional Company for the Po River.
