BAHRAIN'S debut as the first Middle Eastern country to host the Powerboat P1 Grand Prix of the Sea has had to be postponed until next year as the multi-million dollar marina developments where it was to be staged are not yet ready.
In February it was announced that the kingdom would host the final 2008 event in the worldwide series which comprises 14 races on three continents.
It was initially due to take place from October 23-25 at the Durrat Marina, part of the new Durrat Al Bahrain development in the south of the island, and Marina West with the event being staged jointly by Marina West and the Intercontinental Regency.
However, in August, the Bahrain races were re-scheduled for three weeks later in a joint decision made by the host venues and Powerboat P1, to allow the kingdom to complete 'the finishing touches to the highest specifications'.
At the time, Bahrain Ambassador to the United States, Houda Nonoo, said: "It is very exciting for Bahrain to be chosen to host this spectacular event. We already host a Formula One Grand Prix on land, so the Grand Prix of the Sea seems a natural complement.
"The occasion presents an opportunity for Bahrain to showcase its natural seaside beauty, unmatched hospitality, ultra-modern architecture and technology and reputation for delivering a world-class experience."
But those ambitions will have to take a back seat for the moment after a statement from Powerboat P1 revealed the event will now be postponed until next year with a date still to be decided.
Jim O'Toole, chief executive of Powerboat P1, explained: "We've reluctantly decided that it is no longer feasible to stage our 2008 season finale in Bahrain. However, we are now in negotiation with the key stakeholders to decide the best date and venue for next year's Grand Prix.
"This will allow Powerboat P1 and the kingdom to showcase the island and what it has to offer a worldwide audience."
A Marina West spokesman this week confirmed that it is no longer sponsoring the event and negotiations have been taken over by Alexander Rose whose spokesman confirmed only that the event will go ahead next year and discussions over how it will be presented are underway.
Powerboat P1 is the fastest-growing offshore series in the world, a truly adrenaline-fuelled global odyssey. It's all about overwhelming sound, blinding speeds and gutsy heroes, taking on their rivals in state-of-the-art boats and racing just yards apart as they bounce from wave to wave.
The races take place in the waters off some of the world's premier tourist destinations from Portimao, Portugal to Hammamet, Morocco - but, this year, not Bahrain.
