This week sees the return of the UIM Class 3S World Championship to the shores of Italy, to be run concurrently with the UIM Class 3C European Championship. From the 28th September to the 2nd October the best that Europe has to offer will battle it out with Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir Bin Hendi in Fazza S3 to claim the UIM Class 3S crown.
The boat was shipped from Dubai earlier this year along with the Class 1 boats and has been patiently awaiting its time in the spotlight. A crew from Dubai flew out last week to rendezvous with a container of equipment sent from Victory Team and they have since been busy with final preparations on the boat for the up coming competition.
The venue this year is in the commune of Bacoli, 20 Kilometers west of Naples, a town once renowned for its port and popularity as a summer retreat for the elite of Roman society during the time of the Roman Empire, it fell into decline during the Middle Ages but has since rebuilt and regained its status as a tourist destination.
The event starts on the morning of Wednesday 28th with registration and scrutineering followed by the first practice session in the afternoon. Race 1 will start at 11.00 am on the waters of the Gulf of Pozzuoli Thursday 29th followed by another afternoon practice session. The second race is again due to start at 11.00am on Friday; this will be the longest of the three races. Saturday is a lay day, with a practice session in the morning for teams if they require it. The only racing scheduled is a junior race in the afternoon. Sunday sees the conclusion of the event with all three Classes (3S, 3C and Junior) racing throughout the day. The Class 3S again being the first to be held at 11.00.
With 3 races being held over 4 days both the drivers and crew know that consistency and reliability are essential if Victory Team is to reclaim the World Title they won so convincingly in Nettuno in 2009. The crew therefore will be focused on ensuring they check the boat out thoroughly after each race, relying on feedback from the drivers to help pinpoint any part they suspect may potentially give problems. With the weather forecast showing mostly clear weather with just gentle breezes, the sea conditions should lend themselves to fast racing.
With everyone back at Victory Team keeping their fingers crossed for a trouble free week, we look forward to some exciting racing and hope that Arif and Nadir can add another title to their already impressive tally.
