Puglia Grand Prix – UIM-ABP Aquabike Offshore and Hydrofly World Championships

World-class aquatic motorsport arrives in Salento

The Puglia Grand Prix brings one of the most spectacular events on the international water sports calendar to Torre dell'Orso, the famous seaside resort in the municipality of Melendugno in the province of Lecce. The event combines two distinct world championships into a single stage: the UIM-ABP Aquabike Class Pro Offshore World Championship and the Hydrofly World Championship, both held under the aegis of the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) and the Italian Powerboat Federation (FIM).

Set against the backdrop of the Salento Adriatic coast, the crystal-clear waters and the bay of Torre dell'Orso become the stage for breathtaking races. Offshore jet skis speed along a technical course just meters from the shore, while Hydrofly athletes soar into the air supported by powerful water jets, performing dives and stunts that leave the audience breathless.

Two world championships in one weekend

The Aquabike Offshore segment features the Runabout GP1, GP2, and GP3 categories, with multiple race heats held over the weekend on an open-sea course that tests power, physical endurance, and wave-reading skills. The Hydrofly segment showcases specialists in water-flight in the Men Pro and Women Pro categories, a young and highly visual discipline that blends raw strength with aerial performance.

The start list includes pilots from Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, forming an international field that makes Torre dell'Orso the hub of world aquatic motorsport for an entire weekend. The event is organized by Aquabike Promotion & Hardwave for the offshore segment and Dinamica ASD for the Hydrofly competition.

A boost for Salento tourism

For Melendugno and the entire Salento region, this event is much more than a sporting competition: it is a tool for extending the tourist season, capable of drawing crowds and enthusiasts to the coast even after the peak summer months. It is part of the broader initiative that led to Puglia being recognized as a European Region of Sport. Races take place directly off the beach of Torre dell'Orso, with free access for the public to watch from the shoreline and the bay's cliffs.

Visitors to Melendugno during this event will discover, alongside the competitions, the charm of one of Salento's most beloved seaside destinations: the Due Sorelle bay, the nearby resorts of Sant'Andrea and Roca, and the warm hospitality of authentic Puglia.