Mâcon resident Cédric Deguisne, who over the race weekend of June 4 – 5, will have a dual role: that of Event Organiser and Driver with Maverick F1 Racing said at this week press conference held overlooking the Saône

After the withdrawals of Serbia and Russia from the calendar, following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, I proposed Mâcon to the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) which gave its agreement after a visit to the site.

This agreement from the UIM has immediately been validated by the City Mayor Jean-Patrick Courtois.

We really couldn’t miss such an opportunity and I remember a sentence that the late Yves Deguisne threw at me during a race on the Saône in Mâcon when he said, ‘this body of water really deserves to welcome one day a larger test.’ So, today the wish of Jean-Vital’s father and Grandfather of Cédric has come true.

The Macon Motor Yacht Club President Jean Vital Deguisne said

It will be impressive to see the containers and the tents all in the colours of the nine two boat teams visible along the Quai des Marans. The action on the water will leave more than one person speechless.

Having carried out tests opposite the marina in Mâcon, Cédric Deguisne hosted the presentation of the first round of this year’s F1H2O World Championship the Grand Prix of France-Mâcon Val de Saône in the presence of some of the organising committee, along with the mayor Jean-Patrick Courtois and two elected officials.

As a driver it is exciting for me to run in my hometown in front of my public and I am eager to show them up close what F1H2O is all about. I am immensely proud to be, along with my family and my team, the organisers of this event and to give to my city the opportunity to be included in the same list of prestigious locations all other the world that have held races and to offer to the people of  Mâcon a spectacular event.

Jean-Patrick Courtois concluded by saying

I want the Saône to live to the noise of the engines throughout the weekend. It will remind people that there is life in Mâcon.

Photos: Fernand Ribeiro

The Lithuanian Motorboat Federation have now asked the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) to express their official position on the matter as soon as possible.

The Lithuanian Motorboat Federation have also taken these tough decisions:

• Lithuanian athletes are prohibited from participating in competitions in which athletes from the Russian Federation will be allowed to participate.
• According to the recommendations of the Lithuanian Ministry of Education Science and Sports, athletes and citizens of the Russian Federation will not be able to participate in competitions organized on the territory of Lithuania.

They would also like to inform the athletes of the Federation of Ukraine that the Lithuanian Motorboat Federation are ready to provide all the necessary infrastructure to train and store their racing equipment safely. The Lithuanian government is also ready to provide free education for children of Ukrainian athletes in schools or kindergartens.

The President of the Lithuanian Motorboat Federation, Edgaras Riabko stated

With this action we express the support for the free state of Ukraine and all Ukrainians who are the fighting heroes of this day.

Other countries have also adopted a similar sporting stance. The Czech Republic and Sweden have joined Poland and refuse to play Russia in the World Cup play-offs. Other sports have also taken a stand such as Formula One motor racing cancelling the Russian Grand Prix scheduled to take place in Sochi on September 25^th.

Would banning Russians from taking part in powerboat racing make a difference?

This week sees the opening round of the UIM XCat World Championship in Fujairah and amongst those competing is the Russian New Star Team. Will they be allowed to race?

As we’ve seen on the TV news many Russians are against the invasion of Ukraine and, despite the near certainty of being arrested, they have protested in substantial numbers. The enemy here is Putin, not the Russian people, which is what makes the UIM’s choice so difficult.

The UIM Secretary General Thomas Kurth told PRW

Here at the UIM we are all shocked by what has happened in Ukraine over the past few days. The UIM Leadership is analysing the current situation and we will shortly issue a statement.

That statement needs to be sent strongly and clearly across the board that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is so far beyond what is acceptable that powerboat racing needs to make a stand. The UIM and race organisers need to collectively work together to present a united front. What action can be taken, in whatever small a way, must help to deter Putin from the path he has taken. I certainly don’t envy the UIM’s role but hope that they have the resolve to do what needs to be done.