Dubrovnik to Host UIM E1 Electric Powerboat Championship – A First for Croatia
The world’s premier electric powerboat racing series, UIM E1 World Championship, is coming to Croatia for the first time — with Dubrovnik as the proud host city. Scheduled for June 13–14, this groundbreaking event places Dubrovnik among a prestigious lineup of global destinations promoting sustainable innovation in motorsports.
Croatia Combines Tourism, Sports, and Sustainability
Tonči Glavina, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, underlined the national significance of hosting such a major sporting event:
“This is an opportunity to showcase Croatia as both a breathtaking tourist destination and a rising sports powerhouse. Events like the E1 Championship highlight our commitment to building sustainable tourism and investing in sports infrastructure.”
Glavina also announced that Croatian Tourism Days will return to Dubrovnik later this year, reinforcing its status as a hub for both tourism and international events.
Dubrovnik: A Dream Destination for the E1 Series
Alejandro Agag, co-founder and president of the UIM E1 Series, expressed his long-standing desire to bring the race to Dubrovnik:
“Just look around you — what a location! Even before the boats existed, Dubrovnik was one of our dream destinations. Thanks to the incredible support from Prime Minister Plenković, Minister Glavina, and Mayor Franković, we’ve made it happen.”
Agag thanked high-profile global investors and supporters of the E1 project, including LeBron James, Tom Brady, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Rafael Nadal, and Didier Drogba.
Mayor Franković: Dubrovnik Is Ready for the Global Stage
Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković shared his pride in the city’s selection:
“Dubrovnik has joined the calendar of global sports events. This race showcases the city as a sustainable, forward-thinking destination that knows how to organize world-class competitions, from water polo to DuMotion running events.”
He also praised the partnership between the Croatian Tourist Board, Adriatic Luxury Hotels, and other public and private stakeholders who made the event possible.
The Race Course: Old Town, Lokrum, and a Fan Zone on Banje Beach
Alen Bošković from the Croatia Powerboating Club, one of the event’s co-organizers, outlined what fans can expect:
“The race will take place between Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Lokrum Island, with a fan zone set up on Banje Beach. Over 350 crew members will be working on the production, and while safety will limit attendance in certain areas, the public will have multiple viewing spots.”
Bošković praised the teamwork and fast execution, calling it a powerful example of local initiative and national pride.
Innovation Meets Impact: Green Sports on the Adriatic
David James Taylor, CEO of Adriatic Luxury Hotels, emphasized the environmental and cultural value of the event:
“Croatia has a deep love for sport, and we’re proud to support this zero-emissions race. The event connects innovation with sustainability in one of the world’s most beautiful locations — a true spectacle.”