Organizers of the global outboard-powered catamaran offshore racing series are hoping to bring an event to the U.S. in 2017. Photo courtesy/copyright Getty Images.

Called the XCAT World Series, the Union International Motonautique’s Extreme Catamaran World Powerboat Championship plans to secure a round for the outboard-powered, canopied catamaran fleet in the United States in 2017. The news was announced in a press release today from the World Professional Powerboat Association, the promoter of the XCAT World Series.

This announcement follows the success of the recent Australian round of the XCAT World Series, which has seen its television audience grow to more than 450 million households globally, according to the release.

With close action and large fleets, XCAT plans to expand its presence in Europe in 2016. Photo courtesy/copyright Getty Images.

“The U.S. market is important for our development so we wish to hold at least one race there in 2017 to complement our spread of races in Europe, Asia and Australia,” said Ronan Morgan, the WPPA’s chief executive officer, in the release.

XCAT has invested significantly in marketing this year by recruiting experienced management from Formula 1 motorsport, according to the release. In addition, the organization has brought on Sunset+Vine— a top U.K. Sports production firm—to handle television production and distribution.

Currently, the XCAT World Series is telecasted globally by more than 30 broadcasters. XCAT also currently is featured in the Gillette World Sport television program, which boasts a reported audience reach of 1.5 billion households.

Among the U.S. drivers currently competing on the XCAT circuit are Jay Price and Shaun Torrente. The XCAT organizers also confirmed plans for additional European events in 2016.

Editor’s note: U.S. venue representatives interested in hosting a round of the XCAT World Series should contact Ronan Morgan via email at [email protected].

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