Ever wondered what it’s like to be promoter of one of the biggest racing boat events in the world? Nicolò di San Germano takes us behind the scenes of the fast and furious world of powerboat racing.

Briefly describe your F1 Powerboat Career

I saw my first race in 1985 in Munich (Germany). This gave me the idea to adapt the communications techniques used to promote F1 car racing to powerboat racing. I believed very much in the potential of the sport as a new, high-tech and international sport with a lot of visual effects extremely well-suited to the needs of TV and of on-the-spot spectators, organised in the heart of important cities around the world.

What do you like most about your job?

Regular travel from one country to another — Europe, China, Russia, the US, Middle East — allows you to understand different cultures and individuals. I enjoy adapting marketing techniques from one continent to the other to suit local tastes, habits and cultures.

What has been your proudest achievement?

Creating a group of some 20 F1 Powerboat racers of different nationalities who have developed their own identities and take part in a World Championship that’s highly regarded and recognised around the world.

The races have become more exciting and the boats much faster. Today, boats equipped with engines up to three-litres can reach speeds of over 220kmh.

What aspects of your job do you find most interesting?

Sport unites people around the world and opens doors at all levels – religious, cultural or political. Differences become minimal and what remains worldwide is the same unique passion for a sport.

In every country where I work there are differences; different laws, different historical backgrounds, different cultures, different societies, different habits, different legal entities etc… I have to adapt permanently to all of these differences. It’s fascinating and never ending.

What’s the worst thing about F1 Powerboat racing?

Whenever you combine speed and water, there’s a risk. In the mid 80s there were a dramatic number of fatal accidents. Since I took over the promotion and organisation of the races 18 years ago, we have lost three drivers: Anton van Herden from South Africa, Viktor Kunitch from Russia and the Italian Vincenzo Polli in December 2002.

These tragic losses are my worst memories and are what motivates all of us and the U.I.M., the International Federation, to work very hard to increase safety in powerboat racing.

What sets F1 Powerboat Racing apart from other sports?

F1 Powerboat racing combines the thrill of speed with the challenge of high technology and the beauty of exotic settings. It is a very accessible sport with Championship races taking place in the heart of major cities that are free for spectators and associated with a variety of other water-oriented activities for the whole family.

Have you ever been a boat racer yourself?

No! I’ve never been in a racing boat!

What elements are most important to you when organising a F1 Powerboat Grand Prix?

I want to create more than just a simple race event. I am trying to bring a full water festival to a city with specific all-inclusive logistics that impact positively on the economy, on development, on the image, on PR, on the environment and on the quality of life of the citizens.

An F1 Powerboat Championship event is a whole project and enterprise for a city. It is important to provide turn-key events tailored to the priorities and expectations of the city and its officials.

If you were to change careers what would you do and why?

Impossible to imagine. I am so happy with what I’m doing. I am helping to bring top-of-the-line sport to people all over the world, contributing to their enjoyment, the development of their countries and to international understanding through sport. What more could one want to do?

About Nicolò di San Germano

Italian-born Nicolò di San Germano has been a leading figure in international sports marketing for over 25 years with his company IDEA Marketing. In 1993, he turned his attentions to Powerboat racing and became one of the most successful promoters in the industry, acting as official promoter of the Fh2o World Powerboat Championships.

In January 2011, he established H2O Racing with his business partner Lavinia Cavallero, a global sport’s management company to promote World Championship events in powerboat racing and marine motorsports. This includes the F1H2O World Powerboat Championship, the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, the Aquabike and Rally Jet World Championship (in association with Aquabike Promotion) and the inaugural F1H2O Nations Cup.