Porto Marina Egypt to host World Powerboating Championship

Hosted by Amer Group, the world-class event has been described as a cross between driving a Formula One racing car and flying an airplane, 'Class I' has become the leading event in the world of powerboating over the past 25 years.

Amer Group has signed an exclusive agreement with WPPA in the presence of Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and the Minister of Tourism Zoheir Garranah to host the Powerboating Championship in Egypt for at least the next five years.

"This landmark agreement between Amer Group and the World Professional Powerboating Association will surely position Egypt as a go-to destination for year-round sporting events, helping to encourage regional and international investment in Al Alamein that will resonate across Egypt,"

said Mr. Mansour Amer, Chairman of Amer Group.

He added, "This year's inaugural competition will bring together sports enthusiasts from around the world to showcase Porto Marina as a leading destination on the Mediterranean Coast with something innovative and fun for every member of the family throughout the entire year."

Mr. Saeed Hareb, Chairman of WPPA, explained that the championship consists of seven races every year, with the races in Norway, Romania,

Greece is already complete; the competition will come to Egypt and then will go to Qatar and Dubai. We were happy to discover Egypt is a destination that is competitive to Qatar and Dubai in terms of elite audience that enjoys distinguished lifestyle, and that is as attractive as Norway. Porto Marina was chosen to host this event from 2007 until 2011 due to its unique amenities and the valuable services that it has to offer. Marco Sala, President of the International Offshore Team Association (IOTA), which is the official promoter of the "Class I" World Powerboat Championship, went further to say that he was impressed to be able to find a location like Egypt's Porto Marina suitable to host a race of such international notoriety.

This championship is one of the many Amer Group initiatives aimed at promoting and developing the Egyptian tourism industry. The championship's international importance is backed by its tremendous world wide following; an element that helped in the portrayal of Dubai as a popular tourist destination to the world.

Powerboating is typically characterized by the design of the boat used for the sport. A power boat has a high power to weight ratio and a hull design that allows for higher rates of speed and improved handling. "Class I" was officially sanctioned in 1964 by the World governing body for waterborne motor-sports, Union Internationale Motonautique (U.I.M.).

Competing Teams will be: Victory from UAE; Giorgio Off shore from Italy; Qatar team from Qatar; Spirit of Norway from Norway; Ugland from Norway; and CP Promotions from England. Competitors use some of the world's most advanced technologies, including numerous engines, such as the Italian Lamborghini 8,200 cc with 1000 horsepower.

The event will be covered live by 142 international T.V channels, "We are extremely pleased to be able to bring such a dynamic sporting competition to Egypt,' said Mr. Amer. "It truly highlights the high level of confidence in Egypt as a premier destination for first-class events, reflecting the modern, sophisticated lifestyle Egypt is becoming known for around the world."

Porto Marina is one of the largest resort complexes on the Mediterranean and offers some of Egypt's most exclusive 5-star hotels, catering to up to 800,000 tourists yearly. Also within the complex there is the North Coast's first ever 18-hole golf course, a luxurious spa complex, and comprehensive entertainment programs for the whole family, including a cinema complex, shopping mall, international restaurants, private beaches and swimming pool, kids club and a number of major sports facilities.