A New Era in Powerboat Racing
The E1 Series World Championship, the first global competition for electric powerboats, is set to make a significant economic impact, with projections reaching 200 million euros. The event, which began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in February, will make a stop at Villa D'Este on Lake Como on August 25.
The Visionary Behind the Championship
Rodi Basso, an Italian engineer born in 1973, is the co-founder and CEO of the E1 Series World Championship. His career, marked by a focus on technological innovation and data utilization, spans from working with NASA in the late '90s to consulting in Formula 1. His latest venture involves leveraging these experiences to create the RaceBird, an electric powerboat that uses 'foil' technology to minimize water resistance.
Celebrity Investments
The championship has garnered attention from numerous celebrities, including Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, Steve Aoki, Didier Drogba, Marcelo Claure, Virat Kohli, Sergio Perez, and Marc Anthony. These high-profile investors are drawn by the potential business opportunities and the project's high impact on global coastal populations.
Economic and Environmental Impact
In its inaugural year, the championship boasts impressive figures: an economic impact of 200 million euros, 850 million followers, and a 25-year license from the International Powerboating Federation (UIM). The goal is to break even by 2024 and achieve significant profits by 2025. The initiative also addresses the growing demand for low-emission maritime mobility, transferring tested technologies from supercars and hypercars to electric powerboats.
Long-Term Revenue Prospects
Investors are not just in it for the thrill; they see substantial revenue potential. Teams have already sold parts of their licenses at five times the initial value, indicating strong market interest. Revenue streams include sponsorships, merchandising, hospitality, and other forms of income, secured for the next 25 years under the exclusive license granted by the UIM.
