Malta will once again take centre stage in international powerboat racing when it hosts the opening round of the UIM Pleasure Navigation World Championships between 17 and 19 April 2026.
The event, organised by Voomquest under the authority of the Malta Powerboat Federation and the Union Internationale Motonautique, will see racing staged in the waters of Sliema and the Grand Harbour as an international fleet of 28 teams battles it out across multiple classes.
Teams from Malta, Belgium, Italy and England are expected to take part in what promises to be a high-calibre weekend of action both on and off the water.
The championship programme will begin with straight line speed runs in the Grand Harbour before shifting to circuit racing off Sliema on a technically demanding 3.54 nautical mile course. Across the weekend, competitors will contest two official World Championship races as well as national straight run events, with the podium ceremony scheduled for Sunday evening.
The race village will be based at Boilers Wharf in Senglea, turning the Grand Harbour into a focal point for the event and creating a lively setting for spectators and teams alike.
Fans will also be able to follow the action from a dedicated spectators’ area at Surfside Lido. On Saturday, practice sessions will take place between 10am and noon, while racing is scheduled from 2 pm to 4 pm. On Sunday, the final race will be visible from around 10.30 am until 1 pm.
The opening straight runs will be held on Friday between 10 am and noon, and again from 2 pm to 4 pm, while further runs are planned for Sunday between 2 pm and 5 pm. Senglea Point will offer one of the best vantage points for the Grand Harbour action.
At the heart of the event is Voomquest, led by Maltese powerboat racer and five-time UIM World Champion Aaron Ciantar. In recent years, Voomquest has played an important role in revitalising offshore and pleasure navigation powerboat racing in Malta, helping to bring stronger international alignment and renewed visibility to the sport.
Speaking about the event, Ciantar said that bringing a World Championship round to Malta is a source of great pride.
“This event reflects the progress we’ve made as a sport, and our ambition to further position Malta as an important destination for international powerboat racing. After some time away, it is exciting to return with an event of this calibre and to showcase what both our waters and our teams are capable of,” he said.
The staging of a UIM World Championship round further strengthens Malta’s growing reputation as a host for international marine sporting events. With its natural harbour setting, favourable April conditions and proven organisational ability, Malta offers an ideal platform for top-level competition.
The event is being supported by key partners, including Visit Malta and Enemed, underlining the wider role sport can play in driving tourism and international exposure.
