E1 The historic Adriatic jewel, Dubrovnik, has just been announced as a host city for the 2025 UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series.
Mark your calendar: the E1 Dubrovnik GP 2025, presented by Adriatic Luxury Hotels, takes place June 13–14 (one week after the New York SailGP event), and it promises to be one of the most spectacular events on the E1 circuit. Imagine the cutting-edge RaceBirds—the sleek electric foiling boats—slicing through the waters between Dubrovnik’s iconic Old City and Lokrum Island, all against the backdrop of medieval walls and terracotta rooftops. It will be a juxtaposition of old and new; and I think it will be amazing!
The championship combines elite competition, star-studded team ownership, environmental awareness, global spectacle, and a little bit of New Zealand. The series is already turning heads with high-profile owners like Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Will Smith, Didier Drogba, and LeBron James. Kiwi Olympic medalist and renowned Nacra sailor, Micah Wilkinson is racing this season with Team Drogba, giving New Zealand a stake in the electric future of powerboating.
Championship update: The race so far
The 2025 E1 season kicked off in Doha and has already lit up the international calendar with stops in Lago Maggiore and Monaco. As the fleet looks ahead to Croatia, the leaderboard is shaping up for a fierce mid-season showdown. Here’s how things stand:
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Team Rafa – Leading the charge, Rafael Nadal’s team has shown consistent form across the season and is the team to beat.
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Aoki Racing Team – Always strong out of the blocks, they’re pushing hard to close the gap on Rafa.
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Westbrook Racing – Will Smith’s team has quietly climbed the standings with smart racing and solid finishes.
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Team Blue Rising – Making waves with their tactical edge and team chemistry.
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Team Brady – The 2023 Jeddah GP winners are still in the mix and eyeing another podium finish.
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Team Drogba – Featuring New Zealand’s own Micah Wilkinson, this team brings both grit and grace to the water.
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Team Miami powered by Magnus – Stylish and aggressive, they’re building momentum.
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Team AlUla – Backed by LeBron James, they bring global star power and bold ambition.
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Team Brazil by Claure Group – The newest addition, still finding their rhythm but brimming with potential.
A race with purpose
Not only is the E1 series is deeply committed to ocean regeneration and sustainability, but also to gender parity. Each team pairs one male and one female pilot, and also works with local communities on environmental projects that leave a positive legacy long after the boats have packed up.
That message resonates in Croatia. Tonči Glavina, Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, sees the event as a golden opportunity: “This is more than sport. It’s about sustainability, promotion, and positioning Croatia as a leader in innovative tourism.” Croatia has hosted nearly 190 international sports events in the past eight years, and the E1 Dubrovnik GP joins a growing list of world-class fixtures.
Alejandro Agag, the championship’s founder (also known for launching Formula E and Extreme E), called Dubrovnik “an extraordinary location with great ambitions,” saying it offers the perfect blend of heritage, natural beauty, and forward-looking innovation.
From a local perspective, Davor Luksic of Adriatic Luxury Hotels summed it up perfectly: “This is about more than just racing. It’s a chance to showcase Dubrovnik as a destination for world-class experiences that align with our values of innovation and sustainability.”
What to expect in June 2025
Race weekend is set to feature testing, free practice, and qualifications on Friday 13 June, followed by elimination heats and the grand final on Saturday 14 June. The race course, positioned between Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-protected Old Town and Lokrum Island, promises prime views from the city’s ancient walls—a rare opportunity to watch cutting-edge electric racing with a backdrop pulled straight from Game of Thrones.
The organisers, Alen Bošković and Žarko Knego, are already promising a festival atmosphere. Beyond the main event, expect music, local culture, fan zones, and interactive sustainability exhibits. And with the international spotlight firmly on Dubrovnik, this is more than a race—it’s a celebration of Croatia’s past and its electric future.
So yes—I’m dreaming of being there. Dubrovnik in June. Electric boats flying across crystal-clear water. A Kiwi in the mix. And a global stage where sport and sustainability meet.
