The #44 Conam Yachts boat used by reigning SuperSport champions Angelo Tedeschi and Aaron Ciantar is set to stay in Powerboat P1 in 2009, despite the crew stepping into a new boat. The Mercury-powered Chaudron 41 hull was the clear class leader in 2008, winning all but one race and taking the title for a second year in a row.

Tedeschi and Ciantar are taking on a new challenge in the Ukranian-backed, Ilmor-powered #43 Ukrainian Spirit Chaudron hull, but Racing Project team boss Tedeschi says that he’s keen to keep the #44 Conam Yachts boat racing in Powerboat P1 with a new team – potentially made up of an all-female crew.

“The world champion boat cannot stop racing, and we’re working to find a main sponsor so that the #44 boat can stay in Powerboat P1 in 2009,” Tedeschi said. “We already have the two pilots and we are very confident that we can find a sponsor for Powerboat P1’s first ‘girl’s’ team.

“I can already imagine the interest for the first girl’s team in Powerboat P1, but – at the same time – I’m a little worried that they will be able to beat us. Believe me, they are two excellent pilots.”