From H1 Unlimiteds Media
TRI-CITIES, Wash. — The fastest racing boats on the planet are back on the water. Powered by helicopter-derived turbine engines, H1 Unlimited hydroplanes are capable of exceeding 200 mph — and the 2026 season kicks off with the APBA Gold Cup run on the Ohio River at Madison, Indiana, July 3-5.
With nine boats confirmed for flagship stops at TriCity WaterFollies and Seattle SeaFair, a bold new race format debuting at Madison this July, and ongoing talks that promise to expand the 2027 schedule significantly.
Nine unlimited hydroplanes are expected to take to the water at both the Tri-Cities (Columbia Cup) and Seattle (Seafair) events — one of the strongest fields the circuit has fielded in years. The depth of competition across the roster means that every heat, every qualification run, and every final will carry genuine weight. Fans can expect door-to-door racing at speeds that simply have to be seen in person to be believed.
The 2026 H1 Unlimited season calendar brings the circuit back to its most storied venues. Here is the full summer schedule:
• APBA Gold Cup: Madison, Indiana, July 3–5
• Columbia Cup: Tri-Cities, WA, July 24–26
• Apollo Mechanical Cup: Seattle, WA, July 31 – August 2
• Bill Muncey Cup: San Diego, California, September 18-20