The Maltese Islands will once again be the host venue for the first event of the 2006 Powerboat P1 World Championship, taking place over the weekend of 12th, 13th and 14th May.

This follows the signing of a three year agreement between KBL Powerboat Management Ltd, promoters of P1, and the Malta Tourism Authority in which Malta, an appointed P1 signature venue, will host two rounds of the 2006, 2007 and 2008 UIM World Championships Incorporated within the Grand Prix of Malta will be a round-island speed record challenge.

Malta has become one of the most popular venues in the P1 calendar, highly acclaimed by competitors, teams, organisers and the international media.

A warm welcome, the wholehearted commitment of the authorities and enthusiastic support from the people has seen a special relationship develop following events in 2004 and 2005, where the spectacular Grand Harbour of Valletta provided a unique backdrop.

A strong maritime heritage, stunning scenery and warm climate reinforces Malta’s excellent credentials to host major international events.

Martin McDonald, Commercial Director, KBL Powerboat Management Ltd: “We are delighted to have secured this three year arrangement with the Malta Tourism Authority. It brings together two innovative thinking organisations committed to promoting the Maltese Islands on an international stage. For the MTA this initiative compliments its existing destination marketing programmes and allows Malta to utilise P1’s global audience to generate positive media exposure whilst attracting quality tourism and business to its Islands.”

“For P1, it reinforces the stature of this spectacular World Championship as a global marketing platform and establishes a long term partnership from which we shall build the event into one of Europe’s foremost sporting occasions whilst creating an unforgettable annual event for the people of Malta.”