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Boating is very popular as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport. There are various types of boat, which means that there are different forms of boat racing. Competitions and regattas take place all over the world. Some races can be as potentially dangerous as races on land as more powerful machines are made.
Sailing is a very old pastime and yacht racing has a long tradition. The sport is divided into two categories; racing round buoys in harbor areas and offshore races across open stretches of water. The craft used includes dinghies, catamarans and other raceboats. The yachting world is dominated by a few prestigious boat racing events, such as the America's Cup, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Transpacific Yacht Race.
Drag racing on land, with custom built cars is an exciting spectator sport. The water equivalent is just as thrilling and drag boat racing is growing in support. The race is usually over a quarter mile and involves two boats, competing against each other. The highlight of the drag calendar is the IHBA World Finals, held at Phoenix in Arizona.
Lakes and rivers are the setting for hydroplane racing. The sport has both class and open competition and junior divisions are very popular. Outboard engine versions also race in their own class. The sport is particularly well established in Japan, where it is called kyotei. This kind of boat racing was controversial in its early days as there were a number of injuries and deaths. Safety features have recently been introduced, including protected cockpits and safety belts.
One of the most thrilling spectator sports on the water is jet boat racing. Competition is divided into two engine classes and races run through channels, measuring between 3 - 5 meters wide. It's a two person crew, with one member driving and the other navigating. Offshore Powerboat racing involves ocean going powerboats, traditionally racing point to point or, in recent times, in circuits. There are several classes and speeds of up to 170mph can be attained.
One of the older sports is rowing. This sport requires strength, stamina and a high level of fitness. The best rowers compete at the Olympic Games and at the World Rowing Championships. This type of boat racing is also well supported at college level. The United States rivals, Harvard and Yale race against each other each year, as do the British universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
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