Arona announced as second Italian stop for UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series

The historic tourist town of Arona will provide the picturesque backdrop for the fifth leg of the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT Powerboat World Series in Italy next month. That’s after organisers of the Series, the World Professional Powerboat Association (WPPA) announced a partnership with the town, and the Mayor of Arona, Alberto Gusmeroli.

The beautiful Northern Italian town, located on the Sourthern shores of Lake Maggiore will host the event from September 6-8. That will be the second race in Italy after racing resumes after the summer break, with the fourth leg taking place in Stresa from August 30 to September 1. Speaking about the upcoming event in Arona, President of the WPPA Dr. Saif Al Ketbi said: “Due to various circumstances, we had just a short period of time to lock down another host venue in Europe. There were a number of options available, but we are thrilled to announce that we have selected Arona as hosts for the fifth leg of the 2013 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series. “I’d like to thank the Mayor of Arona, Alberto Gusmeroli, for his great support in endorsing this event. And of course a big thank you must go to our wonderful WPPA team for their superb and professional work on the ground, without which this event would not be possible. “Because of them, we can look forward to some great racing from September 6-8,” he added. Al Ketbi also praised the role the international powerboating governing body, UIM, has played in supporting the WPPA and the UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series. “Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, President of the UIM for his unwavering support since signing an agreement of cooperation in December last year.” Chiulli added: “As president of the UIM it is an absolute pleasure to fully support the strategic plan of the WPPA and I wish them every success for the first ever UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series races in Europe.” Meanwhile, Mayor Gusmeroli thanked the WPPA for selecting Arona for the fifth leg of the Series. “The event attracts worldwide media interest and will take place on the water in front of the centre of the city, which is considered the gateway of Lake Maggiore, for its cultural, historical and natural significance,” he said. “This sporting event, as well as the many events held in the city, is a driving force for the economy of the city and the surrounding areas,” added Gusmeroli.

With a population of around 15,000 and situated between the hills and the lake, Arona has proved a popular tourist destination for centuries, particularly for visitors from France, Germany and within Italy itself. Just one hour from Milan, the town is watched over by the tallest statue in Europe – the 35.1m Saint Carlo Borromeo and boasts plenty of lively plazas and a charming central pedestrian street - Il Corso – lined with designer shops and other sites of historic interest. Also not to be missed is the magnificent Rocca di Arona, a fantastic spot above the town which provides a spectacular panoramic view over Arona and the lake. Three rounds of the 2013 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series have already taken place, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dubai-based Fazza still leads the series standings with 830 points with Mouawad 50 second on 671 and the Victory team third on 525.