Washington, November 10 (QNA) – The Qatari team "Spirit of Qatar 96," led by HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and his British co-driver Steve Curtis, won the 44th World Powerboat Championship held in Key West, Florida, USA, after winning the third race in the Extreme category.

The Qatari team had already secured victory in the first race of the championship, winning the Truman Waterfront Cup last Wednesday, and then returned to the podium in the second main race of the Southern Continental Championship on Friday, before clinching the third and final main race of the Conqueror Republic Championship.

The UIM F1H2O World Championship in Florida consists of three main races: the Truman Waterfront Cup, the Southern Continental Cup, and the Conqueror Republic Cup. The results are compiled over a single week during the renowned Key West Festival.

The Qatari team made a remarkable comeback in the World Powerboat Championships after an 11-year absence, reviving memories of their previous successes before their hiatus. Their return to the competition was made possible with the support of the Ministry of Sports and Youth.

HE Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani, captain of the Spirit of Qatar 96 boat, expressed his delight at winning the World Championship title. He noted that this achievement would not have been possible without the significant support the team received from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, headed by HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani.

He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to supporting the Spirit of Qatar 96 team in this global challenge and expressed his hope for even greater success in the upcoming season.

He said that he had great confidence in the Qatari team's ability to win the world title, despite the fierce competition known to everyone at the Key West Festival, considered the toughest of all powerboat championships.

For his part, Samir Al Amoudi, manager of the "Spirit of Qatar 96" team, confirmed that the team's victory in the World Powerboat Championship was a major achievement, especially after a long absence from the world championship of nearly 11 years.

He emphasized that the excellent preparations before the start of the competition contributed to the outstanding performance displayed by the Qatari team, which culminated in winning the world title.

Al Amoudi noted that the level of performance demonstrated by the Qatari team in this championship serves as a great motivator to compete in the next season's competitions in the best possible way.

It is worth noting that the Key West Festival attracted a record 96 boats this year, across various racing categories, with the participation of teams from the United States, Britain, Australia, and Bermuda. (QNA)