The organisers of the P1 Power Boat Racing Indian Grand Prix, featuring 12 boats and scheduled at the Marine Drive promenade from March 3-5 have done something unique. The event will witness professionals from around the world and will also feature city’s own Koli community.
Participants from eight Koli hamlets, with five rowing boats in each team, are to take part in a separate race to find out the winners on the last day (Sunday) of the P1 event carrying prize money of $125,000.
Expressing his happiness with the tie up, president of South Mumbai Koli association Rohidas Koli said, “Eight Koliwadas are participating in the race. The Koliwadas are from Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Girgaum, Worli, Mahim, Versova, Malvani and Uttam Koliwada.”
When asked about the significance of participating in the P1 boat racing, Koli said, “It’s a big moment for Koli community to participate in an international racing event of this magnitude. It’s a big thing and the entire world will see our culture and the Koli community will have chance to show their skill.”
Meanwhile, the P1 boats, brought from Southampton (England), have been stripped of their UK branding and rebranded for this event.
The 28-foot boats, powered by a 250 HP engine, reach a maximum speed of 120 kmph on water, translating to 240 kmph on land, and the races will cover a distance of 5.2 kilometers.
Each team will consist of two boats, each with a driver and a navigator, and the cumulative total of the two boats will decide the placings in the event.
