10:39 AM Mon 8 Aug 2011 GMT
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''Ukraine Spirit' hoping to show its class and ability against the Americans at Key West and on the Hudson River. - Super Boat International'
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John Carbonell, Founder and President of Super Boat International (SBI) has reached agreement with the National Federation of Motor Boat Sport of the Ukraine for that nation's offshore racers to compete in SBI events.
The prospect of hosting Ukrainian teams follows on from news that an Australian team, Maritimo and an Italian crew, team Al-Al, will also contest the SBI races.
John Carbonell and the President of the Ukraine federation, Viktor Shemchuk, have also discussed the prospect of developing another exciting event scheduled for both the USA and Europe later this year and into 2012.
The discussion between the two men has also resulted in Victor Shemchuk serving as an authorised representative of SBI throughout Europe.
Viktor Shemchuk, who has competed in several European races as a navigator aboard the team 'Ukraine Spirit' said vessels contesting Ukraine racing were similar to many classes within SBI.
'We are extremely pleased to participate in the prestigious Super Boat International races and we look forward to this as an opportunity to show our craftsmanship to our American colleagues,' he said.
'We are particularly honoured to take part in events scheduled September 9 to 11 in remembrance of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
'Certainly, the event is sport, but it also serves to commemorate and honour those who lost their lives, particularly with this race scheduled to occur on New York's Hudson River, beside the Statue of Liberty,' he added.
The Ukraine team also plans on competing in the world famous Key West race in November, also the first race in which Australia's Maritimo will contest.
'We hope that our involvement will encourage other teams from Europe to join us as we compete in America,' Viktor Shemchuk added.
'We are ready to show the Ukranian spirit to our American friends.'
John Carbonell said SBI would welcome all teams and would create the conditions of maximum assistance.
'We are proud that our partners in Europe support and encourage participants to compete in the races in America,' he said.
'The best of the European teams will participate in competition through standards set forth by Super Boat International.
by Bob Wonders
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Maatsuyker Island, TAS
