The Belgian #33 Furnibo boat took the chequered flag in the Endurance race at the Sicilian Grand Prix of the Sea, but it was #88 SNAV OSG who dramatically took the Powerboat P1 World Championship title in the final race of the season.

Needing to merely complete the 76.59 nautical mile course - the team were already expected to claim an additional 50 points for reliability - Giancarlo Cangiano and Giovanni Carpitella understandably drove a cautious race in order to protect their points haul.

Pierre Colpin and Frank Hemelaer in their Fountain Furnibo hull took charge of the race from the start lap and proceeded to dominate matters for the entire 15 laps, recording a top-speed of 110.1mph in the process.

Their maximum points total ensured Colpin and Hemelaer finished the season in third place in the overall standings following the untimely withdrawal on lap nine of the #77 Lucas Oil Outerlimits boat.

Despite their approach, Cangiano and Carpitella were never in danger of relinquishing second place and ultimately the Championship.

Cangiano said: "As I said yesterday, we have a very good team. The best in Powerboat P1 in my opinion. Hannes has won two world titles and it was fantastic sharing Giovanni’s first Powerboat P1 prize."

After another display of raw pace on the start lap, the Searex Racing Team's #66 Cranefields Wine boat saw them vie for the leadership of the race. Sigi Greve and Gino Passchier were passed on the second lap by #53 Metamarine's Marco Pennesi and Stefano Bonnano and eventually forced to retire on the tenth lap owing to more technical difficulties.

For Drew Langdon and Jan Falkowski, who had led the Championship since Istanbul in June, it was heartbreak as the race proved one too many as the #47 Silverline boat finished sixth.

#10 Cigarette Smash Poker did not make the start line owing to engine problems.