Powerboat P1 CEO Jim O’Toole has hailed the support of the Tunisian national authorities and the local Yasmine Hammamet authorities as being key to the successful return of the world championship to the North African coast.

The fourth round of the 2008 season provided some of the most spectacular racing of the year so far – and a unique challenge for the teams and crews with the 40C+ heat and high humidity. The weekend proved an equally popular success off the water, with a series of spectacular after-dark events and festivities for teams, sponsors and media.

“The hospitality and kindness of the people here has been exceptional,” said local organizer Philippe Benhamou. “The commitment of the administration, the Port Yasmine management, the Tunisian national tourism authorities and the local police has been outstanding. I’ve been very pleased to organise this event together with Powerboat P1, allowing us to mix the traditional aspects of Tunisia with the technology of the championship, the P1 teams and Port Yasmine, which is one of the best ports on the Mediterranean. It has exceptionally good organisation and very professional people at Chantiers Rodriguez, who were able to quickly and efficiently repair boats that were damaged.”

Benhamou added: “We also had three very different but equally enjoyable parties either on the beach or at Hotel Le Royal – the first two of which were very traditional, allowing us to highlight the best of Tunisia, while the third was a spectacular gala dinner with an auction for the children foundation UTAIM. This year we showed that we can put together a professional event at a world championship level. For the future, my wish is to keep improving how we work with the local and national partners so that we can continue to show what is achievable."

Benhamou’s praise for the local authorities was shared by Powerboat P1 CEO Jim O’Toole, who commented: “The team in Tunisia, and particularly in Port Yasmine Marina under the leadership of Ahmed Moametri put together a great weekend. There was an excellent course design, superb facilities and first class tourism infrastructure – all the things we need to deliver a world class sporting and entertainment event. We also received a very open welcome from a country of incredibly warm people. All of the Powerboat P1 teams were delighted with the experience of racing in Tunisia.”