Registered in the United States, W1 aims to become one of the world’s premier water racing championships, with FERRELLI manufacturing its racing craft.
ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN — October 23, 2026 — W1, the new international water racing championship led by President Alain Khoueiry, has announced that Kazakhstan has signed to become the destination for its inaugural World Championship, scheduled for August 2027.
The agreement marks a major milestone for W1, establishing Kazakhstan as the starting point for a championship designed to combine competitive water racing, marine engineering and international sporting entertainment.
Registered in the United States, W1 is being developed with the ambition of becoming one of the most exciting water sports championships in the world. Its vision brings together international teams, skilled pilots and distinctive racing craft, supported by a spectator experience that extends beyond the competition.
Alain Khoueiry, President of W1 and Chairman of iHolding Group, is leading the championship’s development alongside its manufacturing and commercial partners. FERRELLI, the boat manufacturer owned by Alain Khoueiry together with Vivasor, will manufacture the championship’s racing craft.
This connection between manufacturing and competition will support the development of boats built around W1’s technical requirements, with shared standards within each racing class intended to place pilot skill, precision and performance at the centre of the contest.
Kazakhstan: The First Destination for W1
Kazakhstan’s signing as the inaugural host destination gives the country a defining role in W1’s international development. The first championship event is planned for the Almaty region in August 2027, introducing a new sporting attraction to its waterfront tourism offering.
The initiative is being supported by Chingis Arinov, Akim of Almaty Region, whose leadership and cooperation are contributing to the region’s preparations to host the inaugural W1 World Championship. Cooperation between the regional administration, Alain Khoueiry and the W1 organising team will support preparations for an event intended to deliver lasting sporting, tourism and economic benefits.
The proposed race weekend will combine qualifying, speed racing and a professional Grand Prix with hospitality, fan activities and entertainment. Amateur and media participation is also planned, creating opportunities for audiences to experience the championship more closely.
Hosting the inaugural W1 World Championship is intended to attract international visitors, create opportunities for local businesses and showcase Kazakhstan’s scenery, hospitality and growing appeal as a destination for major sporting events.
Building a Lasting International Championship
Beyond its first event, W1’s development plans include a pilot academy, international sponsorship opportunities and dedicated media content covering the championship, its competitors and its host destinations.
Under Alain Khoueiry’s presidency, W1 aims to build a lasting sporting platform that connects racing and manufacturing with tourism and international partnerships.
With its United States registration, FERRELLI’s manufacturing involvement and Kazakhstan signed as its first host destination, W1 is advancing towards its inaugural championship in August 2027.
About W1
W1 is a developing international water racing championship registered in the United States and led by President Alain Khoueiry. Its racing craft will be manufactured by FERRELLI, owned by Alain Khoueiry together with Vivasor. Kazakhstan has signed to host the inaugural W1 World Championship, planned for August 2027.
