King of Shaves, the Ilmor-powered Fountain powerboat piloted by James Sheppard and Craig Wilson, this afternoon secured the Powerboat P1 World Title, winning the first leg of the Powerboat P1 Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea in Portimao to take an unassailable lead into tomorrow's second leg.

It was another outstanding performance by accomplished racers Sheppard and Wilson, the pairing having set new standards this season with six race wins and a world crown in their debut season. This is a remarkable achievement when considering that the Fountain Worldwide team did not enter Powerboat P1 until the third round in Naples, Italy.

The Italian challenge of OSG, the 2006 Evolution World Champions, started strongly and looked, in the early stages as though an upset could be on the cards. Giancarlo Cangiano and his racing partner, Giovanni Carpitella have fought furiously to defend the team's world crown and entered today's race knowing that only a win could maintain their challenge. This is a proud and highly motivated team and its rally in the final stages was what true champions are made of. Alas, it was to no avail.

For OSG and the all-American Outerlimits Team this race represented the last gasp chance to make an impact on the leading boat but as King of Shaves forged ahead, the contenders were forced to defend their position against the wild cards entries The Switch from France and SIF of Italy. Both were pushing for podium positions and when the all-American Lucas Oil-Outerlimits boat suffered a broken motor, the wild cards could smell the glory, with SIF piloted by Vittorio Fogliamanzillo and Renato Guidi finishing in third.

The bright sunshine may have played its part in attracting thousands of spectators to the Marina di Portimao but it did not temper the sea conditions, which remained choppy thus providing the best possible display of spectacular airbourne action.