O.S.G. completed a double-victory to take the Evolution Class title in the Powerboat P1 Mediterranean Grand Prix of the Sea. Sunday’s win means that the Sterling-powered Donzi of Giancarlo Cangiano and Antonio Cola is now within 30 points of the Championship leader, Kerakoll, with four races remaining. Kerakoll was forced to retire with engine problems on the second lap.

The fourth round of the six-race 2006 U.I.M Powerboat P1 Offshore World Championship was held in the glittering Mediterranean waters off the ancient Southern Italian city of Gallipoli which lies south of the baroque citadel of Lecce, and is not to be confused with the area of the Dardanelle peninsula in Turkey that bears the same name and which witnessed one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. Located on the 'heel' of the 'boot' formed by the Italian coastline Gallipoli has a medieval centre on an island with its own natural harbour that is linked to the modern town by a long stone bridge.

Gallipoli is a city with ancient Greek origins that are reflected in its name, which is derived from 'kale polis' - the Greek words for lovely town. In its more than two thousand year long history the city was also an important Roman municipum and a stronghold against invading Norman forces during the Byzantine period. Historic and artistic treasures to be found in modern day Gallipoli include the beautiful baroque cathedral of Sant' Agata, the white church of the Purita and the Church of St Francis of Assisi. The city is also notable for the narrow lanes and balconied houses of its historic centre, it's footpaths scented with juniper and myrtle winding through rocks to soft, sandy beaches and its turquoise sea.

In addition Gallipoli is a gastronomic delight, with numerous restaurants offering local specialities in particular fresh fish and other seafood, and has a vibrant nightlife. And when the Powerboat P1 World Championship came to town last weekend, the officials and spectators alike received a warm welcome from the city known as the 'The Pearl of the Ionian Sea'.

The Gallipoli event was to be O.S.G.'s though and whilst their winning margin from second placed Fainplast, third placed SIF - the wild card entry of Vittorio Foglia Manzilla and Renato Guidi - and the fourth-placed Kiton team was emphatic there were several times during the race when Fainplast looked set to make a move for the lead but did not quite have the speed.
 

An impressive and carefully planned start had seen the no 88 O.S.G Donzi boat take the race lead at the first turn and an equally impressive set-up for calm waters allowed them to race away and secure a first Grand Prix win of the season.

In SuperSport the Maltese team Chaudron were equally as dominant, taking an early lead, extending it lap by lap to win by a margin of more than three minutes. The team had clearly learnt from its hard fought third place in yesterday’s Endurance race and its performance today was exceptional, the aggregate of points scored over the two legs enough to secure them the SuperSport Mediterranean Grand Prix of the Sea crown. Pilot Aaron Ciantar and his sister Audrien make a formidable partnership and they now head to Cowes as the in-form team, knowing that after an indifferent start to the season they are closing fast on all the leading contenders for the Championship. Behind Chaudron the race unfolding was one of close action, clever tactics and surprises!

Saturday’s race winner, Ocean Dragon suffered engine problems and was content just to complete the course whilst ARPRO and Saturday’s runner-up Jolly Special were forced to retire during the early stages. This opened the way for Belgium team FORone, British boat Microlink PC and the Italian Italcraft to challenge for a podium place. Second placed Carpenter, whose strong challenge was some consolation for the day before’s disqualification for missing a buoy. The Belgium team eventually took the final spot - it’s second podium place of the season- closely followed by Italcraft. In finishing fifth on the day and recording their best result of the season, Microlink PC were one of several teams that is picking up the pace, building that vital experience that will guarantee a thrilling end to the season. For every team in the Championship it’s still all to play for.

The P1 World Championship now moves to Cowes in England later this month, and then over the weekend of 1st and 2nd October this exciting carnival of motorsport arrives, for the first time, in Oeiras, Lisbon for the showdown finale-the Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea.