DOHA: Unlimited hydroplanes, the fastest boats in the world, having taken the historical step of hosting their first-ever race outside the Americas in Qatar last week, are all set to embark on yet another journey to the untested Brazilian waters next season.

Taking the power boat action to the South American country is GHB International Sports Management Company based in Brazil.

The unlimited hydroplanes race will be part of golden jubilee celebration of Brasilia as capital of Brazil, a race which is supported by the federal government. “The federal government is supporting us financially, as the races are part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Brasilia. The races are one of the several programmes lined up by the government throughout the year. It will be held inland on a lake and not on sea, as Brazil has a lot of lakes.”

“The Hydroplanes racing action will take place somewhere in between April and first week of May next year,” said the Portuguese-speaking duo of Gustavo Bahia (pictured left) and Joao Filipe, while speaking to The Peninsula. Bahia and Filipe, who are part of the Brazilian company were here in Qatar for the F1 H20 UIM sanctioned championship which concluded here yesterday on the Corniche.

Unlimited hydroplanes have fewer restrictions than limited hydroplanes. The 28-foot, 6,000lb boats run primarily with a T-55 L7 turbine, which has been used in military helicopter design for many years. Hydroplanes of this nature use around 4.1 gallons of fuel per minute, develop approximately 2,500 horse power and reach speeds in excess of 200mph.

The unlimited hydroplanes is not the only race which is going to Brazil, if everything goes to a plan then the F1 H2o will also be held in Brazil in 2011.

“We are in talks with UIM and other officials and we have got the green signal. We could not get the nod for the F1 action in Brazil next season as the funds release from the federal government reached us and by the time the deadline set by UIM had already expired,” said Feilipe.

The company also aims to built the momentum for a new generation of Brazilians to take up to the sport in a big way and taking the high-profile racing action to Brazil is one of the several steps the company has initiated to built up a fan following for the sport.

“For many years we have been having negotiations with the Brazilian government, sponsors, and investors and trying to convince them the immense potential of powerboats and the benefits the economy will reap from holding the events in Brazil.”

“By watching some of the leading stars of the powerboat competitions, young Brazilians will be motivated to take up the sport, as they will have role models. And take my word, the Brazilians will dominate the sports in another ten to 15 years time,” said Felipe.THE PENINSULA