From the first to mid-sixties the "Offshore Powerboat Racing" was emerging as a worldwide sport. Great Britain, France, Sweden and Italy were holding regular events that, along with the existing US venues, became part of the World Championship Tour.
In 1968, after a four-year domination by the Americans, Italian count Vincenzo Balestrieri Cosimelli of Rome, (Dec. 18, 1926 - March 31, 2012) was able to clinch the world title by winning 5 of the season's races:
1 - Sam Griffith Memorial Race, Florida, US
2 - Naples Trophy, Naples, Italy
3 - Viareggio-Bastia-Viareggio, Italy
4 - France's Dauphin D'Or, France
5 - Swedish Grand Prix, Sweden
...and by taking the second place at the Wills International Race, England.
In 1970, Balestrieri repeated his feat by winning his second title of Champion of The World.

Special Thanks to : Vincenzo Balestrieri Jr.[info from en]