Kazakhstan signs as the inaugural World Championship destination, with support from Almaty Region Akim Chingis Arinov and racing craft manufactured by FERRELLI.
ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN — October 23, 2026 — W1, the international water racing championship registered in the United States and led by President Alain Khoueiry, is advancing towards its inaugural World Championship after Kazakhstan signed to become its first host destination. The opening event is scheduled for August 2027 in the Almaty region.
Developed with the ambition of becoming one of the world’s premier water racing championships, W1 will bring together competitive racing, distinctive marine design and sporting entertainment. Its proposed format combines professional competition with opportunities for amateur participation, fan experiences and international hospitality.
Alain Khoueiry, President of W1 and Chairman of iHolding Group, is leading the initiative alongside its manufacturing and commercial partners. FERRELLI, the boat manufacturer owned by Alain Khoueiry together with Vivasor, will manufacture the championship’s racing craft.
FERRELLI’s involvement connects boat development with the demands of competition. Shared technical standards within each racing class are intended to put pilot skill, precision and race strategy at the heart of the championship.
Kazakhstan Takes the Opening Stage
Kazakhstan’s signing as the first host destination marks a defining step in W1’s development. The inaugural championship will provide an opportunity to introduce international audiences to the Almaty region’s waterfront destinations, scenery and hospitality.
The initiative is being supported by Chingis Arinov, Akim of Almaty Region, whose cooperation with Alain Khoueiry and the organising team is helping advance preparations for the event.
The proposed programme includes qualifying, speed racing and a professional Grand Prix, accompanied by spectator activities, hospitality and entertainment. Plans also include amateur and media participation, allowing a wider audience to engage with W1.
For the host region, the championship is intended to generate opportunities across tourism, accommodation, event services and local business, while strengthening Kazakhstan’s visibility as a destination for international sport.
A Championship Built for the Future
W1’s longer-term vision includes a pilot academy, international team development, sponsorship partnerships and dedicated media content covering its competitors, technology and host destinations.
Under Alain Khoueiry’s presidency, the championship aims to create a lasting connection between marine manufacturing, sporting competition and destination development.
With its United States registration, Kazakhstan signed as its inaugural host destination, and FERRELLI manufacturing its racing craft, W1 is preparing to begin its international journey in August 2027.
About W1
W1 is a developing international water racing championship led by President Alain Khoueiry. Registered in the United States, it aims to establish a distinctive competition combining professional racing, pilot development and spectator entertainment. Its racing craft will be manufactured by FERRELLI, owned by Alain Khoueiry together with Vivasor.
