emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi Team for Powerboat Racing has reached a remarkable milestone in the world of marine sports, as seasoned Italian driver Guido Cappellini set a new world record in the renowned Pavia–Venice river race — the longest of its kind globally.

Starting in Pavia, northern Italy, the race followed the winding path of the Po River — Italy’s longest — and concluded in Venice, spanning roughly 415 kilometres.

Cappellini completed the course in a record-setting 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 54 seconds, achieving an impressive average speed of 207.26 km/h. This shattered the previous record of 203.34 km/h set by Italian driver Dino Zantelli in 2005.

This latest triumph adds to Cappellini’s celebrated career, as he continues to be one of the most accomplished figures in powerboat racing. Since joining Team Abu Dhabi, he has played a key role in securing multiple world championships for the team.

Recognised as one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious powerboat competitions, the Pavia–Venice race requires exceptional navigation and boat-handling skills due to its long and challenging river route, featuring strong currents and sharp turns.

This historic feat highlights the UAE’s growing prominence in global sports and reflects Team Abu Dhabi’s unwavering dedication to showcasing the nation’s sporting excellence on the world stage.