Rb issue 19 web by davidrbisewell@yahoo.co.uk

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Issue 19 - JUNE/JULY 2016

THE 2016 SEASON GETS UNDERWAY

TORQUAY OCRDA

UK OFFSHORE

F1 ROUND 1 DUBAI DEBUT

ROUEN 24 HEURES

MARATHON

DUBAI

BOAT SHOW

AUSTRALIA V8 SUPERBOAT

THUNDERCATS

MICROLINK - A FORCE FOR GOOD

P1 SUPERSTOCK

SCARBOROUGH GRAND PRIX

UK CIRCUIT

LOWESTOFT / LANCASHIRE

KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY ED WILLIAMS-HAWKE / DREW LANGDON

EAD UNDERW H A RY ETS

O G VICT SEASON

2016

AT IN UAE C X AY AS

the World’s ONLY international publication dedicated to powerboat racing, providing coverage and results of the major meetings around the world. Available by subscription, or it can be downloaded from raceboatinternational.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PO Box No. 4871 Poole, Dorset BH15 1HX Tel: +44 (0) 1202 625048 Mobile: +44 (0) 7946 230630 Email: david@raceboatinternational.com EDITOR David Sewell WEBSITE www.raceboatinternational.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Carolynne Sewell CONTRIBUTORS Roy Mantle Karien Jonckheere Nigel Quilter Sean Henshalwood Tony Cossington PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Tapping Simon Palfrader Vittorio Obertone Chris Davies Arek Rejs Graham Stevens Bryan Scott Mike Powell Russel Puckeridge (Pureart Creative Images)

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PRINTED BY - Headley Brothers While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication, the Publishers cannot be held liable for errors and omissions. c Copyright - David Sewell All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent in writing to the publisher.

NOTE from the

Editor It seems like ages ago since the last magazine, but with the season getting off to a late start this year very little has been happening. The X CATs got off to a flyer with both races in the UAE and now they’re off to Switzerland, whilst the opening round of the UIM World F1 Series took place in Dubai in March. but their next round is not until July. The UK offshore season enjoyed a tremendous launch at Torquay when twenty boats lined Haldon Pier. Hopefully, this trend will continue as the three race Aqua Adrenaline Tour continues with West Bay, Dorset the next venue 5-7 August. With only three races in the series several teams were hoping to run for the rest of the season on day licences at £60, but the RYA only allow two event licences per season which means those who acquired one of these licences at Torquay can only compete in one of the final two events at West Bay or Plymouth or purchase a full licence at £300. However, there are other races this term in the UK, i.e Cowes, Poole-Cowes and Whitstable so it might be worth biting the bullet and getting a Provisional licence and having the necessary signatures to enable the licence to be upgraded to a National at no extra cost. I was lost for words after we heard the Venture Cup had been cancelled. The concept of the VC started as the London-Monte Carlo which changed quickly to the Cowes-Monte Carlo. Despite the large number of teams signed up, the event hit the buffers. The VC reared its ugly head some time later and two more attempts failed abysmally. The final effort Round Southern and Northern Ireland looked promising and the organisers kept saying the race was fully funded. Maybe it was but the money was never spent on what it was mean’t for and the familiar announcement was made, the money had run out. Trouble is it makes the task of any future event promotors that much more difficult, at a time when the sport needs some fresh enthusiasm. Hope you like the idea of our ‘Family Affair’ regular feature. Powerboat racers are often reared in families where powerboat racing is a passion. The article relies on contributions from readers, so please give me a ring if you have a racing inheritance of two or more generations. You will be as surprised as I was how many there are.

Dave David Sewell Editor

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NEWS BRIEFING Who’s WHO and what’s WHAT

DUBAI BOAT SHOW David Sewell visits the show 24 years on

FAMILY AFFAIR The Langdon and Williams-Hawkes powerboat racing clans

24 HEURES ROUEN Following the success of team Abu Dhabi at this annual marathon event

F1H2O WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS The 2016 Formula 1 season begins in Dubai for the first time

XCAT RACING IN UAE 2016 Worlds - Round 1 in Fujairah and Round 2 in Dubai

UK OFFSHORE OCRDA’s Torquay event a brillian start to the season

POWERBOAT P1 IN SCARBOROUGH Yorkshire Grand Prix of the North Sea

THUNDERCAT RACING ‘A powerful force for good’ - Microlink is much more than a series sponsor

UK CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIPS Lowestoft and Lancashire Grand Prix events

AUSTRALIAN V8 SUPERBOATS Rounds 1 and 3 of the 2016 series in New South Wales

62 YESTERYEAR The 1981 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race was the roughest since 1971 64 CLASSIFIED Boats for Sale 66

TAKING THE PIC Pit Action Photos raceboatinternational 5

IN BRIEF

VENTURE CUP CANCELLED

PRE-WAR POWERBOAT TROPHY TO BECOME PERMANENT ROUND THE WORLD RECORD AWARD

18TH ANNUAL UIM PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION With a total of 229 entries, the 2015 UIM Photographic competition was arguably the strongest to date, making the task of the judging panel both arduous and enjoyable With a great variety of entries showing the excitement and drama from all levels of powerboat racing it is obvious that there are a large number of photographers following our sport who really enjoy capturing the highs and the lows, the preparation and planning and the people who are passionate in making the races happen - drivers, mechanics, organisers and officials, and the crowds. The introduction of the new ‘Open’ category encouraged strong submissions from Australia, South Africa and USA, while in the remaining categories there were some high quality submissions from new entrants as well as regular. More than one category contained a number of images worthy of winning for various reasons, some were more technically proficient and others had better subject matter or overall impact, and only by having specific judging criteria were the judges able to make considered deciisions. James Wright, Judging Panel Chairman commented, “Such was the quality of entries that every individual photographer should be

One of the world’s oldest powerboat trophies, the ‘Dupree International Challenge Trophy’, is set to become the official award for Team Britannia’s round the world record attempt

congratulated for their efforts, and I hope that the competitors had as much enjoyment in creating and selecting their images as we did in judging them.

QE2 IN DUBAI

When we were flying out of Dubai following the World F1 meeting visibility was very clear, and there below us was the majestic former Cunarder, QE2 moored up in a quiet backwater of Dubai. When this famous ship was de-commissioned by Cunard, we understand a UAE company purchased it with a view to converting the vessel into a hotel, but so far nothing has materialised and she is laying there with a small team of maintenance workers.

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The magnificent solid silver trophy will be rededicated at an official ceremony taking place at the Royal Naval Club and Royal Albert Yacht Club in Portsmouth. The trophy was donated to the Club by brewing magnate Colonel Sir William Dupree, 1st Baronet, in 1932, but it is believed that the creation of the trophy pre-dates this. It was then awarded to the winners of the Portsmouth and Southsea Powerboat Race until just before the outbreak of the Second World War when it was thought to be lost for ever. The Club Secretary at that time, fearing a Nazi invasion, took the precaution of hiding the valuable award. Then in 1980, whilst builders carried out renovation work to the Queens Hotel in Southsea, Hampshire, they found the trophy, along with a hoard of other valuables hidden up a chimney breast. Despite sustaining damage it went on display at the RNC & RAYC until last year, when thanks to a generous donation, it was restored to its full glory in preparation for the rededication. Simon Wright-Cooper, the current Club Secretary commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to rededicate this historic trophy for the record attempt. The Dupree family are iconic in the powerboating world having been involved in the sport from its infancy all the way through to its heyday in the 1950s and 60s. The family competed in all the great races includinf the Daily Express Offshore Boat Race Cowes – Torquay. They would be delighted that this trophy, which bears their name, will

now be used to recognise those that undertake the most difficult endeavour in the sport.” The trophy is believed to be the second oldest powerboat trophy still in use, only surpassed by the British International Harmsworth Trophy, first presented in 1903 by Sir Alfred Harmsworth, former proprietor of the Daily Mail. The “Dupree International Challenge Trophy” predates the famous Segrave Trophy from 1930, which commemorates the life of Sir Henry Segrave, who unknowingly captured the water speed record driving ‘Miss England II’ on England ‘s largest natural lake, Windermere. The Segrave Trophy is awarded annually to a British subject who accomplishes the most outstanding demonstration of transportation by land, air or water. Team Britannia’s skipper and ocean racing legend, Alan Priddy, added: “This is a great honour. Sir William Dupree and his family were true pioneers of the sport and this trophy, one of the oldest powerboating cups in the world, is a fitting testament to their role and contribution to the sport. It is a double honour as Sir William made his home in Portsmouth, was a former Mayor (three times) and Alderman of the City. He owned Portsmouth United Brewery, gave generously to charity and served his country with distinction and I am sure that if Sir William had been around today, he would have been vying for a place on our boat, or even offering to race us.”

There is not a lot we can add to the announcement that the 2016 Venture Cup has been cancelled. The 2016 attempt is the third time Aidan Foley has attempted to get this event off the starting blocks and once more it has become a failed project that has left many teams who have paid in advance to enter out of pocket having been taken in by the confident press releases and very convincing sales talk. Even when the internet went blank only days before the ‘cancellation’ announcement we were assured it was only a technical glitch. How much this failed project has cost in monetary terms, we will never know but hopefully, this is the last time we hear the name Venture Cup. Those teams who had hoped for a dash around Ireland can now enter the CowesTorquay marathon in September that has got an unblemished reputation, and this should ensure a healthy entry list.

WORLD CLASS 1 MAY APPEAR IN 2016

The UIM are eager for the Class 1 Championship to be resurrected this year and venues expressing an interest are Malta, and three locations in the UAE. However, it would appear no-one is keen to part with any money, at least not this year. The UIM annual ‘get-together’ is in Fujahair, UAE when they hope to introduce a new promoter for the World Class 1 series for 2017, but for this term host venues will have to fund a race in their own location. This involves shipping the boats, flights, hotels etc. etc. and this is all very costly. When an official announcement arrives from the UIM we will let our readers and viewers know, but at this stage nothing is confirmed.

WILL F2 COMPLETE A FULL SEASON?

Last year Sweden’s Pierre Lundin was awarded the World F2 title even though most of the season’s events were cancelled. Already Brindizi has been cancelled this term, but the rest of the programme looks solid. Can Lundin retain his title or will Rupp Temper, Matt Palfreyman, Bimba Sjholm, or maybe Frode Sundstal relieve him of the Gold medal? First race is in Finland on 10-12 June. raceboatinternational 7

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Sadly Surfury is not in the same shape as ‘Cesa’, but it still stirs up a great deal of interest when the name is mentioned even though the Sonny Levi arrow like design does not actually boast a very successful track record in terms of race wins. However, looking at this beautiful craft, it’s easy to see why enthusiasts are prepared to put their hands in their pockets to ensure Surfury does not end up on the scrap heap. She spent many years at the Basildon Maritime Museum in Essex

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when very little was spent on her, and when the museum closed its doors, Surfury was moved to an aircraft hanger at Wroughton, near Swindon, Wiltshire. Although there is protection from the elements, there has been considerable damage to Surfury’s deck from pidgeon droppings. She is now owned by the National Maritime Museum, and the SoS fund has been set up to provide adequate maintenance of Surfury, a decent overall cover, and move the boat to a purpose built museum, hopefully near the craft’s birth place at Cowes.

RACING INTO THE

FUTURE

www.babaracing.com raceboatinternational 9

AUSTRALIA’S MARITIMO OFFSHORE RACE TEAM

TAKING ON THE WORLD

2016 SUPERBOAT CALENDAR

24 JULY 7 AUG 28 AUG 25 SEPT 16 OCT 20 NOV

BOWAN, NORTH QUEENSLAND MACKAY, QUEENSLAND COFFS HARBOUR, NEW SOUTH WALES GOSFORD LAKE MACQUARIE HERVEY BAY, QUEENSLAND

Although the UIM World Class 1 Championship is a little uncertain this term, the Australian Superboat scene is looking very exciting. One of the teams that will be starting as favourite when the Series starts in July is ‘Maritimo’ volved in the race team and the design and A lot of us will remember the original line-up goes to the States." construction of the race boats. They said Maritimo driver Ross Willaton said the of Bill Barry-Cotter and Peter McGrath who Barry-Cotter had a lot of input into what the Unlimited Category boat wis a 44 footer raced the big silver diesel powered cat in running two Maritimo designed 2000 horse- team does to the boats like the all important the early 2000's. Mr Barry-Cotter, founder engine configurations. power motors. "Depending on the condiof the Riviera range of luxury motor yachts, "We have the capability of reaching tions this boat is capable of in excess of 200 no longer races but the name is still on the speeds up to 220 miles per hour, but in a race circuit with son Tom Barry-Cotter racing miles per hour, and we think that by having racing environment we would normally be the chance to run it in the Australian series 'Gold Coast Australia' in the World XCAT looking at reaching speeds of 180 miles per Series. Raceboat International will be follow- we will be pretty well set up for the World hour in the first few laps and then settling Championships in Key West," ing the 2016 Australian Superboat season back to around averaging 160 miles per Willaton and Travis Thompson will race thanks to Paul Wilson of Team Maritimo hour depending on how hard the competithe Unlimited Category boat in two rounds Offshore Racing and boat number 222. tion is running,” said Davies. "The race of the Australian series, and depending Gold Coast based Maritimo Offshore boats are exposed to some of the highest on timing possibly a third at Coffs Harbour Racing is headed into its busiest year ever before it heads to the World Championships. stresses in motor racing and because the with new boats, upgraded designs and races in Key West are run over a whole Ross Willaton's son, Andrew and throttlemotors, and a goal to take out at least two week we try to race as hard as we need to man Andrew Searle will also compete in the Australian Championships and the World but with double points up for grabs on the Championships at Key West later in the year. other boats in the Australian series. last race it’s important to keep the boats Davies and Willaton say Maritimo's The team won the Australian Offshore Sucompetitive all week. founder, Bill Barry-Cotter, was heavily inperboat series' Supercat Extreme category last year, but after issues did not place 2016 AUSTRALIAN OFFSHORE SUPERBOATS CHAMPIONSHIPS at the World Championships. SUPERCAT EXTREME (CLASS 1) 38ft to 46ft long and capable of speeds of 240kph This year they aim to be on top of BOAT NAME DRIVER THROTTLEMAN BOATBUILDER the podium at events from Bowen in Yellow Brick Road Chris Frier Brendan Frier Maritimo North Queensland to Key West in the 222 Offshore Racing Darren Nicholson Peter Muddy Mcgrath Maritimo Maritimo Australia Travis Thompson TBA Maritimo USA running three individual boats, SUPERCAT 1000HP 32ft to 40ft 2 x Mercury 525hp V8 Inboards Top speed approx 135mph (215kph) one new boat and two reconfigured Team 3 Tom Barry-Cotter Steve Jellick 36ft Victory Cat boats. "We will use the Australian Maritimo 525 Andrew Willaton Andrew Searle Maritimo series to test the boat that we will Pro Floors International Wayne Valder Chris Hanley Skater, USA be taking to Key West for the World SUPERCAT OUTBOARD 600HP Min weight 1800kg - 2 x 300hp outboards - Top speed approx 185kph (110mph) Paul Fowlds 32ft Blade Custom Boats Championships," said Race team man- Hogs Breath Offshore Racing Jim Harris Phantom Offshore Racing Mick Walker Ian Haris 26ft Shifty Cat ager and engine builder Kurt Davies. SUV Taelah Saloumidis Conn Saloumidis 32ft Blade Custom Boats "The boat we take to Key West will be Eighty Eight Racing Michael Ethell Gryff Ethell 26ft Shifty Cat shipped at the end of September and it Mancine Cosmetics Brent Price Simon Isherwood 32ft Doug Wright will compete in the Superboat UnlimitBarely Legal Mike Knight John Skater, USA Glenn Campbell Andy Smith AMT Doug Wright ed category. Here in Australia it will run Dynamic Racing SUPERCAT UNLIMITED Not a championship class - This is a test class for teams to test their race machines for in its own class, giving us time to test overseas classes, as Maritimo will do for most of the 2016 season before shipping the boat to the USA it and make fine adjustments before it Maritimo Offshore Racing p/l Gary Ballough Ross Willaton Maritimo 10 raceboatinternational

SBI SUPERBOAT INTERNATIONAL OFFSHORE

KEY WEST, Florida

Cocoa Beach

Calm conditions help attract record spectator boats and beach goers Super Boat International race teams converged on Cocoa Beach, Florida to see the world’s best and fastest offshore racing. Team Wake Effects 03 took top honors in the Superboat Unlimited Class with a commanding victory. Performance Boat Center 21 led the Superboat Class to a first place win in a large fleet of other Superboats. What appeared to be record crowds on land and in the spectator boats, fans got to see the season opener on unseasonable peaceful ocean conditions. Cocoa Beach, known for big surf, gave race teams a bit of a break this year with the first two races seeing calm conditions and just a bit more wave action for the third race of the day. “Our race teams really put on a great show for the fans. I believe all the teams were due for a little less stressful race than previous years and we are happy that conditions didn’t break their equipment,” commented John Carbonell, President of

Super Boat International. “It appeared to us, we had the largest crowds here to date and we appreciate all the fans that came out to watch our season opener.” It was not without the efforts of Super Boat, the Coast Guard, and supporting agencies that helped locate a missing swimmer which allowed the third race to take the green and complete all three races of the day. “It was very fortunate the individual was safe and located in a timely fashion, and we were approved to continue with racing, as we don’t like delays anymore than anyone else,” commented Carbonell. Team AMH Construction went uncontested in the Superboat Extreme Class and showed their strength and horsepower in the second race of the day. Other class

winners included, Phantom (Superboat Vee), Reliable Services Group (Superboat Stock), The Developer (P-3) and Babcock Crazy Chicken (P-4). The race was not without the drama as some boats encountered mechanical failure and others shared paint with each other on the race course. Papa’s Pilar and FJ Propeller became entangled with each other early on in the Superboat Stock race. Later in the day, we saw WHM Motorsports and Sailor Jerry AutoNation leave the course under their own power which ended their day.

BIG SCREEN AT 2016 COWES

Powerboat racing photographer and Isle of Wight resident David Ormiston has arranged for a Big Screen to be erected in the dry pits at Cowes and throughout the weekend will be showing races from past years. To cover the costs of this expensive ‘piece of kit’, advertisements will be displayed on the screen in between footage of races. A ten second advert that will appear regularly throughout the weekend will cost £100.

BOOKINGS UP FOR 2016 SOUTHAMPTON BOAT show

British Marine BOAT SHOWS has announced that there has been a strong number of exhibitors confirming bookings for the Southampton Boat ShoW THIS YEAR Sales for land space are ahead of this time last year, with over 80% of the space confirmed. Allocation on the marina has just started and is also filling up quickly. Among those already confirmed are Fairline Yachts, exhibiting their Squadron 65 and 48 and Targa 53. British Marine Boat Shows have also announced a number of new attractions for 2016, such as Bumper Boats for the younger visiters, and a Festival Stage in Solent Park, which will feature demonstrations, fashion shows and live music. The Southampton Boat Show, billed as a ‘Britain’s Biggest Boating Festival’ will take place in Mayflower Park 16-25 September 2016.

HIBERIA

Shatters Round Ireland Record

Following the cancellation of the Venture Cup, one of the favourites for the Round Ireland marathon decided to go for the Round Ireland Record. John Ryan, owner of Team Hiberia and Philip Fitzgibbon, Sean McNamara and Denis Dillon chopped five and a half hour off the 2009 time set by Fitzgibbon and Hiberia’s record stands at 12 hours, 54 minutes 24 seconds. The monohull is fitted with twin FPT engines. The next target on their 2016 programme is the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race which should be like a stroll in the park.

raceboatinternational 11

DUBAI BOAT SHOW

David Sewell visits the show 24 YEARS ON

Dubai was hosting two important events in the maritime calendar falling on the same weekend - the opening Grand Prix of the 2016 UIM World F1 championship season and the 24th running of the Dubai International Boat Show. The Grand Prix and Boat Show were only a minute’s stroll apart so I had the pleasure of enjoying both attractions without getting tied up in the city’s traffic nightmare. It’s hard to imagine, the UAE city of Dubai was once a sleepy fishing village. Pearl farming, fishing and dhow building on the now famous creek were the main industries, but when Iran increased taxes on shipping using their main port, Dubai took advantage of the situation and introduced many perks to entice vessel owners to use their facilities instead, and Dubai quickly evolved into a busy shipping port, renowned for its Duty Free shopping. Today Dubai’s skyline is now an impressive stalagmite formation of high-rise glass sided buildings, built to accommodate the international rich and famous who see the city as an ideal bolt hole for guaranteed winter sunshine and within easy reach of most European capitals. Dubai has an abundance of quality

hotels, most with swimming pools, although beaches are just a short taxi ride from most hotels and shopping is what Dubai does best. I cannot believe it was 24 years ago that I attended the opening of Dubai’s first boat show. If my memory is still functioning as it should, the event was held at the World Trade Centre and the main attraction as you walked through the entrance was a Victory Class 2 cat with Perspex covers over the engine room so we could see the motors. Sheikh Maktoum opened the show, and it only took him a few minutes to walk around the exhibits, yes, it was a pretty modest beginning. Today the Dubai International Boat show is an annual exhibition that has its place on the list of established boat shows around

the world. The venue is in the grounds of the Dubai International Marine Club, and although it is still relatively small compared to some of the larger shows, it is aimed at a niche market and there were plenty of products to satisfy the high performance clientele and potential Superyacht buyers. The 2016 extravaganza claimed to feature 450 boats (although I would question that number) with more than 800 companies and brands from 55 countries exhibiting at this year’s event. Organisers say the show has benefitted from regional currencies being linked to the strong US dollar, and this is reflected in the large number of craft fitted with four Mercury outboards which represent good value for money plus the low cost of gasoline in the UAE. Another very popular design concept

The MTI pre-production V57 center console above makes its UAE debut

A Victory V-bottom center console

that had its roots in the USA is the centre console and with the Middle East climate and their love of fishing there were several models at the show including the 46 footer from MTI a company owned by Randy Scism who designed and built the catamaran that won Abu Dhabi their first World Class 1 offshore championship in 2015. The MTI pre-production V57 Center Consule, debuted at the show, sported was powered by quad Mercury Racing Verado 400R engines and has reached 68mph during a test session on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Dubai’s own Victory Team are renowned for winning World Class 1 titles with their catamarans, but at the Dubai show they debuted a centre console V bottom fitted with quad outboards. A quad-engined cruiser!

Three craft from Ferretti, their Riva range: the 30ft Aquarama above right, a mid range Sports cruiser (top left), and the sporty new 23 metre coupe Perseo (left inset) 12 raceboatinternational

Italian built Novamarine RIB - although very popular in Europe RIBs are still a minority in the Middle East raceboatinternational 13

The Swedish built OXE is the world’s largest high performance diesel outboard UAE’s largest builder of luxury yachts and leisure boats Gulf Craft, exhibited several of their products ranging from 27 feet to 155 feet in length which they market under four different names, and has been ranked among the top ten superboat builders in the world. Erwin Bamps COE of Gulf Craft, the biggest single exhibitor at the show, said the Emirates-based company which was foiunded in the Emirates in 1982, has three shipyards in the UAE and one in the Maldives. With an expanding portfolio that includes the Majesty Yachts, the ocean going Nomad Yachts, Silvercraft fishing boats and family cruisers, and Oryx sport yachts and cruisers, Gulf Craft has built an enduring legacy. The Dubai show was chosen by Netherlands based boat builder Heesen Yachts? to launch their largest superyacht to date the Galactica Super Nova, a 70m all-aluminium fast displacement superyacht. Italy’s Mondomarine unveiled their Motoryacht Serenity at the show, the first of their new SF line. For me the stars of the show were three craft from Ferretti, their Riva range. Liveried in metallic gold there was the 30ft Aquarama, a classic design that has become popular as a tender aboard large Superyachts; a mid range Sports cruiser, and the sporty new 23 metre coupe Perseo making its regional debut. Aside of the boats on display, Mercury’s new ROS supercharged 4 stroke outboard that has been developed for the X Cats

series. This potent 4-stroke racer made its debut at the Dubai Grand Prix, round five of the 2015 XCAT World Series in Dubai, and this year the majority of the XCATs will be fitted with these engines to replace Mercury Racing 2-stroke 2.5L EFI race outboards. The world’s largest high performance diesel outboard, is the Swedish built OXE, which is claimed to have set new standards for durability, fuel-efficiency and low emissions for an outboard engine. It uses an automotive diesel engine that is mounted horizontally, and the concept eliminates bevel gears and transfer shafts by utilizing innovative best technology which allows for high torque transfer. The slim submerged modules provides less drag, reduces fuel consumption and increases speed. I wandered around the show mid-morning and this explained the lack of staff on the stands and visitors - the show did not open until 3.30 pm and closed at 9.30pm but at least it was quiet. The organisers of the 24th Dubai International Boat Show have continued to broaden the appeal of their event as a marine lifestyle exhibition, and new for this year’s event was to extend the beach (although I never saw it) where taster sessions of popular water sports were on offer. Other new features included hands-on experience where visitors learnt the art of boat handling as well as fishing. Other interesting exhibits included:- Magic Float, a Russian constructed modular floating helipad; the FlyBike, apparently a new experience in water sports - fast, fun and easy to do tricks, the FlyBike harnesses up to 350 horsepower; the Radinn Wakejet Cruise, the World’s first Electric wakeboard for surfing that is clean, silent and powerful; a hydraulic steering system designed and engineered for boats with single, double or triple engine application with outboard engines of 300- 350hp, a complete kit with reinforced and compacted cylinder, easy to install, with universal connection for all the different brands of outboard engine. Assuming the opening round of the UIM World F1 Series is staged at the same date in 2017 and the boat show occupies the same site, I will make an effort to visit the event again during opening hours where I can get more details of the various exhibits, as the show does boast a superb display of performance craft that compares favourably with the Miami Boat Show.

This season the majority of XCATs will be using the Mercury ROS 4 stroke developed in conjunction with Victory engineers

Colour coordinated quad Mercury engines

MAN V10 - a popular choice for Superyachts raceboatinternational 15

A FAMILY AFFAIR

When powerboat racing gets into your blood, it seems the passion for it is passed on from generation to generation as it is one of the few sports where members of the family not only support their loved ones but they also take part. When we decided to produce a feature on powerboat racers who have made the sport a family affair, we thought it would probably cover two or three pages, but after investigation it soon became clear that one issue would not be enough. There are so many families with two or more generations who either race together or against each other, the feature in this issue of Raceboat International has become ‘Part One’ of a series. There are many dynasties of powerboat racers out there, both in offshore and circuit, and in most cases there is a mixture of both in the same family. The first part of this series features two families who have been involved in offshore racing for many years. They live just a few miles apart in deepest Devon and are linked by their life-long love of powerboat racing inherited from their fathers and passed on to their youngest sons who compete together in Thundercat Racing.

THE LANGDON CLAN

Some of Drew Langdon’s powerboating honours include:- National Offshore Endurance Champion, 2 National Water Speed Records, One World Water Speed Record, Round Britain 1st Overall, Current British Marathon Speed Record Holder for Class A at 109.18mph, and the Bahamas Trophy Winner. He has raced in P1 Super Sport since 2004 in his Buzzi RIB ‘Buzzi Bullet’ and a Buzzi 38. Drew’s love of powerboat racing was inspired by his father Alan who never raced offshore preferring the calmer waters of circuit at which he excelled. He was a regular at Bristol Docks in the 1970’s, and he also won many races at Chasewater. The highlight of his racing career was winning the British Grand Prix in SE class when Alan shared the podium with Andre Dirix (class O1) and James Beard (ON). As a child Drew went to powerboat races all over Europe with his father, and started racing in circuit events. However, Drew’s roots are firmly in the offshore camp now, and racing has become a family affair with support from his wife Judy, two sons Ali and Dom. At his home near Exeter he has his own personel museum which houses an aircraft and a veritable fleet of race craft, and he particularly likes Buzzi craft.

One race victory that has eluded Drew has been the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes marathon. Although he has occupied the podium in the runner-up position, winning the race is currently at the top of his wish list. For several years the navigator seat in Drew’s steed has been occupied by psychologist Jan Falkowski, but when Langdon Jnr. Ali came of age he took over and has accompanied Drew on the last six CTC races. The Langdon family powerboat racing tree does not stop there as youngest son Dom joined the rough and tough world of Thundercat racing. He and fellow crew member Tom Williams-Hawkes clinched the Thundercat world speed record in the MOD division in Malta.

THE WILLIAMS-HAWKES CLAN

Powerboat racing began in this family with Norman WilliamsHawkes who started racing an aluminium Pearly runabout in the 1970’s. His son Ed joined the family team racing in ‘Pearly Miss’ powered by a Johnson 33, and since then the list of boats raced by the Ed Williams-Hawkes reads like a who’s who in offshore racing and includes names like ‘Pussy Galore’, ‘Mr Mako’, ‘Lethal Viking’, ‘Ocean Dragon’, ‘Play4Win’, ‘Sunseeker XS’, ‘Voom Voom’,and of course four different ‘Wettpunkt’ boats, to name but a few. There are few types of boat Ed has not raced in, from a tiny

Alan Langdon on the podium (left) after winning the British Grand Prix at Chasewater in the O1 class alongside Andre Diriks and James Beard (right) The Williams-Hawkes family - left to right: Charlie, Ed’s wife Gill, Ed and Tom collecting the Thunderbolt Trophy which was created from the transom of the famous Thunderbolt boat, winner of the first Cowes-Torquay race in 1961

The two youngest members of the Langdon and WilliamsHawkes families race together in the Thundercat MOD Division Class 3a cat up to the old P1 Evolution outfits (mini Class 1’s). He has been a regular navigator for Austrian Casino owner and breeder of buffalos Hannes Bohinc who is famed with starting each season with a new boat, invariably from the Buzzi boat yard. The team’s success was phenomenal, but Ed likes to think his achievements away from Bohinc have been equally impressive. He proudly claims, it’s doubtful if any other family has competed in more Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race than the Williams’Hawkes. Among his many racing successes and trophies since the early 1970s have been: the Harmsworth Trophy in 2003, its centenary year; the Thunderbolt Trophy CTC (see photo); Needles Trophy; Round Britain Class winner in 1984 and 2008; plus numerous speed records at Windermere and Coniston since 1973, and the Billy Butlin Trophy won on separate occasions by Ed and sons Charlie and Tom. Ed’s two sons have both carried on the family tradition in the world of offshore and Charlie’s skills in rigging raceboats is much in demand particularly from Drew Langdon. When Tom isn’t racing with Dom Langdon in their Thundercat his main occupation is master chef at the family restaurant, the Salutation Inn in Topsham, Devon which has an excellent reputation for its fine dining. Both the Langdon’s and Williams-Hawkes are very involved in their local club, the Exe Power Boat and Ski Club, described by Ed as ‘the premier offshore racers club in Britain’. The New Year meeting is legendary and their events are more of an occasion than a powerboat race. We are unable to mention all the achievements of these two remarkable families apart from saying they can never be short of a conversation around the dinner table.

Ed crewed in several of Hannes Bohincs’ Wettpunkt fleet and collected countless trophies with the Austrian casino owner

Above: Dom Langdon son of Drew Above right: Drew and his son Ali (right) have competed in six Cowes-Torquay races together Above: Drew Langdon’s familiar ‘Silverline’ filling the runner up berth in the 2015 CowesTorquay race Left: Alan Langdon competing round the tricky Bristol Dock circuit

16 raceboatinternational

raceboatinternational 17

Rouen 24 Heures Motonautiques

The Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) enjoyed a superb weekend of endurance racing on their debut at the punishing 24 Hours of Rouen in northern France. The Etihad Airways sponsored team entered two DAC boats in the world famous race and the Team Abu Dhabi 35 quartet of Alex Carella, Thani AlQamzi, Majed Al-Mansoori and Tullio Abbate finished first in the S2 class and third overall in their DAC after completing 792 laps of the 3.8km course on the River Seine. “This was an amazing experience for me and the entire team,” said Thani Al-Qamzi. “It’s hard to put into words the experience of running at speeds for very long periods where you have to keep maximum concentration to avoid making any mistakes.” The overall race victory and the S1 class win fell to the double UIM F1 H20 World Champion Philippe Chiappe and his fellow French crew of Peter and Nelson Morin and Rodolphe Avenel in the F1 CTIC China Team Moore entry. They hit the front towards the end of the first session on Saturday evening, after Team Abu Dhabi 35 had suffered mechanical issues, and held the lead to the finish. Team Abu Dhabi 35 also suffered a propeller failure in the final hour that dropped them behind the French Team Cegelec SDEM ITM boat and into third in the overall standings. But the S2 class win was secured by an impressive 37-lap margin. Mohammed Al-Mehairbi, Rashid Al-Qamzi, Italy’s Alberto Comparato and Rashid Al-Tayer crewed the second Team Abu Dhabi 36 boat and lost time in the first four hours of the race after running inside the top six from the start. They climbed back into contention during Saturday afternoon, but a crash late on Saturday evening for Comparato damaged the boat and forced them into retirement. 18 raceboatinternational

The race Thirty-one boats lined up at the start of the 53rd edition of the famous race, with seven registered in Class S1, nine in S2 and 15 in S3. Racing was split into two sections, starting with the first session between 10am on Saturday morning and 1am on Sunday. The remaining nine hours commenced at 8am on Sunday morning and finished at 5pm. Carella and Al-Tayer were given the important task of taking the boat into the opening session and first hour or so of racing. Team Abu Dhabi 35 managed 35 laps in that opening hour and that gave the team an early 2.489 second advantage over their nearest rivals in VSI Racing, with New Star 1 a close third. Team Abu Dhabi 36 slotted into eighth overall and fourth in the S2 class. New Star 1 hit the front after the second hour and ran for 68 laps to hold a one-lap advantage over Team Abu Dhabi 35 and the Pegase Racing Team. The second Team Abu Dhabi boat climbed to seventh and fourth in S2. The leading trio began to pull clear of the field after three hours and 93 laps of racing, with Team Abu Dhabi 35 and Thani Al-Qamzi holding a 14-second lead over New Star 1, although Team Abu Dhabi 36 slipped to 12th after some technical issues with Majed Al-Mansoori at the helm, and Team Nollet crashed spectacularly out of contention. After five hours and 155 laps, the French Pegase Racing Team had edged into a five-lap lead over Team Abu Dhabi 35 and headed Navikart Racing by eight laps. New Star 1 had slipped to sixth with a mechanical issue and the second Team Abu Dhabi boat was down in 26th position out of the 31 starters. But Team Abu Dhabi retained the all-important S2 class lead, as the team out of the ADIMSC adopted a strategy of

changing drivers every two hours. With two hours to go in the first 15-hour section of the race, Carella returned to the hot seat of Team Abu Dhabi 35 with the crew lying in second position behind the F1 CTIC China Team, spear headed by double World Champion Philippe Chiappe. Carella’s boat was running 10 laps behind the S1 class leader and still out in front in S2. After 14 hours the margin had widened to 20 laps and Team Abu Dhabi 35 had completed 459 laps of the Seine course. But the team endured a troubled final two hours with a broken propeller and gearbox and engine issues. They only completed a further six laps in the final hour and slipped to fourth in the overall rankings and second in the S2 class behind Navikart Racing. Team Abu Dhabi 36 was 11th and eighth in S2 after an accident, but there were 11 other boats in the pits having repairs or retired from the race. “It was actually a very disappointing finish to the first session,” said Carella. “We were leading almost all the day and, in the last three hours, we had the technical issues and will restart fourth and second in class after stopping for an hour. I will get a few hours’ sleep and be in the boat for the first session. At night, you cannot see the water. You have to just drive the boat and aim for the land marks.” That final nine-hour stint began at 8am on Sunday morning in bright and sunny conditions. The F1 CTIC China Team began the day with a 36-lap advantage over Navikart Racing. Team Abu Dhabi 35 was 52 laps behind in fourth. Team Abu Dhabi 36 did not restart after the accident on Saturday night. Carella started well and Team Abu Dhabi 35 climbed to third place after 16 hours behind the CTIC China Team and the classleading Navicart Racing.

24 Hours of Rouen - Class S2 results: 1

35 Team Abu Dhabi

792 laps

32 Navikart Racing

755 laps

20 New Star 1

728 laps

38 Team Studio Fitness

721 laps

26 Extreme Racing

703 laps

28 Team Studio Fitness

647 laps

25 Team Privilege

200 laps

New Star 2

DNF – 485 laps

36 Team Abu Dhabi

DNF - 321 laps

Team Abu Dhabi drivers: Left to right: Tullio Abbate, Alex Carella, Majed Al-Mansoori and Thani Al-Qamzi raceboatinternational 19

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24 HEURES ROUEN The team remained 38 laps behind the leaders and gained another lap, another place and the class S2 lead in the second hour of racing when Navicart Racing hit trouble. At three-quarter distance, after 18 hours, Team Abu Dhabi 35 was in a strong second position and first in the S2 class, albeit 34 laps behind the CTIC China Team. Former

leaders New Star 1, were suffering from air intake issues. The gap between the two leaders increased to 37 laps after 19 hours and was reduced to 36 tours with four hours remaining. There was a late scare for Team Abu Dhabi 35 when the boat was forced to return to the pits in the last hour with a broken propeller. The crew had reduced

the F1 CTIC China Team’s lead to just 25 laps when the problem occurred and it cost them one place in the overall standings; they slipped behind Team Cegelec SDEM ITEM and into third, although they confirmed the win in Class S2 to cap a memorable weekend for the ADIMSC.

Abu Dhabi 36 did not restart after their accident on Saturday night

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raceboatinternational 21

DUBAI

DUBAI DEBUT

CTIC F1 CHINA TEAM

Article: David Sewell Photos: Arek Rejs, Simon Palfrader, Vittorio Obertone

Dubai has hosted numerous World Class 1 and XCat races, but never a circuit Grand Prix. I must confess I didn’t think they had waters suitable for the lightweight cats, however, although the track layout was short, (1960 metres compared to Sharjah’s 2225 metres) the laps completed by the winner of the first round of the 2016 F1 World Series was 48.

22 raceboatinternational

Thani Al Qamzi. As the seventeen drivers made their way to the start grid one new face was in the line-up, German Mike Szymura who has previously raced in F4 winning a hattrick of titles with an impressive resume - seven Grand Prix titles, winning 10 races with seven podium finishes from 28 starts, and in 2015 he led Team Germany to an impressive third place in their debut outing in the Nations Cup World Series. Szy-

TEAM SWEDEN

EMIRATES RACING TEAM

BLAZE PERFORMANCE TEAM

COUNTRY OF BASE: U.A.E. TEAM MANAGER: PAOLA BOCHETTI DRIVERS 50 - MARIT STROMOY 51 - MIKE SZYMURA

COUNTRY OF BASE: U.A.E. TEAM MANAGER: SCOTT GILLMAN DRIVERS 27 - AHMED AL HAMELI 28 - ERIK STARK 29 - IVAN BRIGADA

BABA RACING

VICTORY TEAM

TEAM ABU DHABI

EMIC RACING TEAM

ROUND 1 OF 2016 SEASON

CTIC China’s French pilot Philippe Chiappe had clinched his second world title during December 2015 and turning out for the new season in March 2016 he appeared to have lost none of his speed as he secured the first pole of the new season ahead of last year’s second in the championship - Abu Dhabi’s Alex Carella. He was followed by Team Sweden’s Jonas Andersson, Team Emirates Erik Stark, Victory’s Shaun Torrente and Abu Dhabi’s

F1 ATLANTIC TEAM

COUNTRY OF BASE: FRANCE TEAM MANAGER: ERIC CHAN DRIVERS 1 - PHILIPPE CHIAPPE 2 - XIONG ZIWEI RD - PETER MORIN

mura makes his F1H2o World Championship debut in Marit Stromoy’s EMIC team replacing Christophe Larigot who has teamed up with Duarte Benevente in Team F1 Atlantic for this season. Making a welcome return to F1 this year is Italy’s Ivan Brigada who has joined forces with Team Emirate’s Erik Stark as a temporary replacement for Ahmed Al Hameli who is undergoing treatment for a health issue.

COUNTRY OF BASE: ITALY TEAM MANAGER: MICHAEL JENKINS DRIVERS 11 - SAMI SELIO 12 - FILIP ROMS RD - WYNAND DE JAGER

COUNTRY OF BASE: PORTUGAL TEAM MANAGER: MARIO BENAVENTE DRIVERS 9 - CHRISTOPHE LARIGOT 10 - DUARTE BENAVENTE

COUNTRY OF BASE: U.A.E.

TEAM MANAGER: RAGESH ELAYADETH DRIVERS 3 - NADIR BIN HENDI 4 - SHAUN TORRENTE

COUNTRY OF BASE: SWEDEN TEAM MANAGER: MATS ECKERVALL DRIVERS 14 - JONAS ANDERSSON 15 - JESPER FORSS COUNTRY OF BASE: ITALY TEAM MANAGER: FRANCESCO CANTANDO DRIVERS 23 - BARTEK MARSZALEK 24 - FRANCESCO CANTANDO RD - DIETMAR KAISER COUNTRY OF BASE: U.A.E. TEAM MANAGER: GUIDO CAPPELLINI DRIVERS 5 - THANI AL QAMZI 6 - ALEX CARELLA

Marit Stromoy

Ivan Brigada

NEW TO F1 IN 2016 - MIKE SZYMURA - EMIC RACING TEAM Teaming up with Marit Stromoy this year is MIKE SZYMURA who makes his F1H2O World Championship debut in 2016 moving up into the elite class from F4-S. He dominated the F4-S Trophy Championship for the last three years winning a hat-trick of titles with an impressive resume, taking seven Grand Prix titles, winning 10 races with seven podium finishes from 28 starts. In 2015 he led Team Germany to an impressive third place in their debut outing in the Nations Cup World Series. raceboatinternational 23

DUBAI

Neck and neck - Victory and Team Emirates

Abu Dhabi’s Alex Carella runner up

A new sponsor for Sami Selio and Filip Roms is RIZK Casinos with the slogan “Real rewards - no bullshit!” As the field swept away from the start line, eyes were focused on Marit Stromoy, historically the first lady winner of the 2015 Sharjah GP. Could she repeat that success? The team had updated some of the equipment and Marit was apparently fighting fit after some serious gym work. However, after seven laps her EMIC stopped with an electrical fault, although even if she had not stopped there was little chance she could have kept leader Chiappe company who appeared to be extending his lead with ease lap after lap. The only respite the chasing pack enjoyed was on lap 26 when young Swede Jesper Forss barrel-rolled enabling Carella, and Torrente to close the gap while they moved Forss’s wreck from the circuit, and 24 raceboatinternational

once more the Frenchman forged ahead on the restart. The leading three displayed totally different styles of driving - Chiappe was as steady as a rock, whilst Carella and Torrente spent a considerable time airborne as they endeavoured to catch the leader. Andersson hung on to 4th place and completed the full 48 laps, while most improved driver on show was Ziwei ‘Leo’ Xiong, team mate of CITC China’s Chiappe who filled fifth place on 47 laps ahead of experienced driver Duarte Benavente of Team Atlantic and Ivan Brigada of Team Emirates. Two laps down was Blaze Performance driver Francesco Cantando, Mad Croc Filip Roms, and on 45 laps came Blaze Performance Bart Marszalek and Victory’s Nadir Bin Hendi and Christophe Larigot, while

On the podium (left to right): Carella, Chiappe, China’s Team Manager Eric Chan and Shaun Torrente

the back marker was Szymura who drove a steady debut race after starting from the end of the grid. Sami Selio, who failed to make the start due to mechanical problems, has attracted a new sponsor and the Mad Croc Team’s BaBa boats now sport the RIZK logo which is an on-line gambling site which proclaims “Real rewards - no bullshit!”. No doubt Selio will reap better rewards for his racing at the next grand prix in France. There were few complaints from teams competing in Dubai’s first foray into F1, indeed the event could be deemed an outstanding success and we understand promoters Idea Marketing have signed a three year deal with the DMIC for future F1 GP’s. raceboatinternational 25

DUBAI

Philippe Chiappe streaks away from the grid and was never headed throughout the entire 48 laps

Since he first came to F1 in 2012 Xiong (Leo) Ziwei who is now 24 years of age, has gone from a back marker to a regular top ten qualifier, and has become China’s most successful F1 driver. Victory Team’s Shaun Torrente, a regular on the podium, came in third in the first round of the 2016 season

26 raceboatinternational

2016 DRIVERS POINTS TABLE AFTER ROUND 1

Jonas Andersson Team Sweden

POS

BOAT

DRIVER

NAT

DUBAI

Philippe Chiappe

FRA

Alex Carella

UAE

Shaun Torrente

UAE

Jonas Andersson

SWE

Xiong Ziwei

CHN

Duarte Benavente

POR

Ivan Brigada

ITA

Francesco Cantando

ITA

Filip Roms

FIN

Bartek Marszalek

POL

Nadir Bin Hendi

UAE

Sami Selio

FIN

DNS

Jesper Forss

SWE

RET

Christophe Larigot

FRA

Thani Al Qamzi

UAE

RET

Mike Szymura

GER

Marit Stromoy

NOR

RET

Erik Stark

SWE

RET

raceboatinternational 27

RoundS 1 & 2 - Fujairah & DUBAI

New Season Underway in UAE

With new venues on the calendaR for this year’s UIM XCAT World Powerboat Series the UAE kicks off the season in Fujairah and Dubai.

the stunning glacial Lake Lugano

will play host to round 3 of the seven rounds while XCAT action will also VISIT two Asian venues in September and October. the season is rounded off with Abu Dhabi and back to Dubai for the grand finale in December. Last year saw XCAT racing visiting both Portugal and Australia for the first time, with the Gold Coast event in August attracting a record number of television viewers in over 750 million households.

FUJAIRAH 2016 WORLDS - ROUND 1

The new XCAT 2016 World Series has begun with teams of two taking each other on in two-engined carbon-fibre boats that tear around the course at speeds close to 200km per hour. This year, however, there has been the introduction of the new Mercury 400 ROS 4 stroke outboards which will compete against the trusty Mercury Verados.

28 raceboatinternational

11 of the 14 XCAT boats have been fitted with the new four-stroke engines for the first race of the season at Fujairah International Marine Club. The new engines are claimed to massively reduce emissions, and any impact on the environment. Under the parity rule, those boats participating with two-stroke engines are allowed to race with 100kg less ballast than those using four-stroke engines to level the playing field. Swecat is one of the teams who have put the new engines to the test for the first time,“Obviously we have spent a lot of time during the offseason planning and project managing the re-rigging of our XCAT with the marvellous new Mercury Racing Verado 400 ROS,” explained Team CEO and Manager, Niklas Sjöö. “Making any projections for the season feels slightly premature. Like most teams, we mainly hope to have the boat race ready, find the right props and have everything running properly and well balanced in time for the first race.” The Swecat team of Erik Stark and Mikael Bengtsson made their

XCAT debut in 2015 and managed an impressive fifth position overall in the Series. The defending champions - Victory Team pair of Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir bin Hendi were looking forward to taking the sport to another level with the new Mercury four-stroke engines, and according to team manager Ragesh Elayadeth, more than the increased speed, the new engines’ acceleration capability is what will make things interesting. “It’s a new engine – it’s a torque engine so everyone is the same in this matter. No-one has any advantage, so let’s see. These are very powerful engines, very reliable and economically it’s good for the teams and environmentally it’s more friendly. So we will have better performance than last year. It’s good for the teams and good for the sport. Yes, they’re faster, but won’t reach top speeds on a tight course so it’s more about the acceleration. It is much better than the previous engines so it’s going to be more interesting.

The new Mercury 400 ROS 4 stroke outboard

raceboatinternational 29

2016 XCAT drivers

Elayadeth explained that any bad memories of last year’s season-opening race in Fujairah, when one of their engines caught fire – ruling them out of contention – were unlikely to resurface this weekend. As far as the teams go, apart from the new engines nothing seems to have changed much since 2015 as the Victory team continue to dominate although the name Fazza has become Victory and the boat’s colour is now blue. The Victory Team lived up to their name and reputation by taking the first title of the 2016 UIM XCAT World Powerboating Series with a win at the Fujairah GP on Friday. The defending Series champions, Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir bin Hendi, stormed to the front in typical fashion and led from start to finish to top the podium and the Series after round 1. It was not a race without drama, however, as Team Australia (Brett Luhrmann and Paul Virik Nilsen) and Abu Dhabi Team 5 (Rashed Al Tayer and Faleh Al Mansoori) collided at the first turn and the Australians flipped their boat. With both drivers safely back on lland, the race was restarted with Victory Team once again storming to the front on the first lap. “It was dream race, yes, but the challenge was very tough,” said Bin Hendi.” Speaking about having to start the race a second time, he added: “We were leading already so mentally it upsets you – a bit up and down because you have to do the start again. You don’t know what’s going to happen and you predict a lot of things, but luckily it went in our favour and as you saw, Victory boats are always very good at the start.” That they certainly were and once at the front the duo executed their race plan to perfection. Meanwhile, further back Gold Coast.Australia were steadily making their way up the field. After a dismal start in eighth position, Tom Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton made the decision to take their long laps early and the strategy paid off. The pair had worked their way up to fourth spot when the Fujairah Team (Serafino Barlesi and Alessandro Barone) experienced problems and lost speed, meaning the Australians could move up into the podium places. Swecat Racing (Mikael Bentsson and Erik Stark) who were then in second place still had one more long lap to complete however – and when they tackled that, the Gold Coast boat made their move up into second, where they stayed until the finish.“We had a really bad qualifying session so we were starting from eighth on the grid,” explained Gold Coast’s Barry-Cotter. “We had some technical is30 raceboatinternational

sues holding us back, but we knew all weekend that the boat had a lot of pace. We got a really bad start and from there we were literally one of the last boats to come around the second corner so we made the call to take both the long laps straight away and we managed to have clear water. We honestly didn’t know until right at the end that we were still on for a podium, just because so many of the boats waited so long to take their long laps. So it was a lot of suspense for us. We were really aggressive. It’s a really great result for the team. They worked so hard to get the boat ready and I can’t thank them enough.” Speaking about the new Mercury XCAT ROS 400 engines, Barry-Cotter added: “Early in the weekend they had some gremlins, but Mercury have been really good and the WPPA have been fantastic in tuning the engines to all the teams’ needs. They performed flawlessly this race and the boat is performing really well.” Swecat eventually finished third with the Dubai combination of Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali grateful they weren’t the ones flipping their boat again – and finishing in fourth place. “We didn’t know if we had the gap we needed to take the long lap but it was so close.

2016 XCAT FUJAIRAH

Top: Tom Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton in ‘Gold Coast Australia’ - 2nd in Fujairah Left: Fujairah Team - Serafino Barlesi and Alessandro Barone lost speed but finished on 5 points Right: Alfredo Amato / Diego Testa ‘Carpisa Yamamay’ currently now 5th in the Championship

Rashed Suhail Al Tayer and Faleh Khalfan Almansoori in Abu Dhabi Team

raceboatinternational 31

2016 XCAT DUBAI

DUBAI

2016 WORLDS - ROUND 2

Another week, another win for the Victory Team. Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir bin Hendi continued

their dominance of the 2016 UIM XCAT World Series with Victory at the second round – the Dubai GP. While they didn’t head to the front from the start, an almost perfect long lap

strategy saw the pair taking the lead in the ninth lap and eventually powering to a 17-second win over second-placed Abu Dhabi Team 5.

It had been Abu Dhabi 5’s Rashed Al Tayer and Faleh Al Mansoori who powered into the lead after a sensational start from the second gate, but the duo just couldn’t build up enough of a lead to keep in front of the high-flying Victory Team who simply blew any opposition away. The battle for third spot was eventually where all the action was with Swecat (Erik Stark / Michael Bengtsson), Gold Coast Australia (Tom Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton) and Dubai 33 (Salem Al Adidi and Eisa Al Ali) all battling it out for the final podium spot. But it was the Swedish Swecat team who finally took it with Dubai 33 struggling with their power steering for the final three laps and Gold Coast losing some power in one of their engines. 32 raceboatinternational

raceboatinternational 33

Speaking after the race, Victory Team’s manager Ragesh Elayadeth said: “It was exciting. We know our capacity, we know our capabilities, so we kept racing and we planned a strategy – how to overtake Abu Dhabi Team 5. We didn’t want to take a risk on the race course so we kept racing and we applied our long lap strategy and came out in front of them. You have to have a good driver, you have to have a good set-up and you have to have a good strategy also, so everything worked well and we knew we could overtake them somewhere in the middle of the race.” Asked if the drivers had been at all nervous when they spent the first part of the race in second spot, Elayadeth added: “Arif and Nadir are the masters. They know what to do. There were no nerves at all. They keep calm, they know when to go for the long laps and when to put pressure on. It’s because they are confident in themselves – they are the best drivers in the world at the moment, and they’re confident in their boat and in their team.” Abu Dhabi Team 5’s Al Tayer was thrilled with their performance

after the disappointment of not finishing the last weekend’s race, but said a few errors had cost them. “Our start was amazing – we gave everything and found ourselves in front,” he said. “It was on one of the long laps that we made a mistake through driving into the sun and had a big jump on one of the waves and lost a lot of speed there.” As for Swecat, Bengtsson was particularly happy with claiming a podium spot for the second consecutive week. “It was very exciting – when we had maybe five laps left we had the Dubai boat really close and we thought they had one long lap to go. But then when it was three, then two to go – we discovered they were on the same lap as us so it was a great fight until the end. This result is perfect for us. We didn’t think we’d be getting our second consecutive podium when we came here,” he added. The action moves to Lugano, Switzerland for the third round of the XCAT World Series 4-5 June and an up-date of that grand prix will be posted on the Raceboat website.

2016 XCAT DUBAI

Salem Al Adidi / Eisa Al Ali in Dubai 33 now lying 3rd in the Championship

POS

On the Dubai podium - Salem Al Adidi & Eisa Al Ali (Dubai 33), Arif Al Zaffain & Nadir Bin Hendi (Victory Team), Erik Stark & Michael Bengtsson (Swecat Racing)

Victory Team and Spirit of France

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NO. TEAM

XCAT 2016 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TABLE

VICTORY TEAM

CREW

FUJAIRAH

DUBAI

TOTAL

Arif Al Zaffain / Nadir Bin Hendi

Erik Stark / Michael Bengtsson

DUBAI 33

Salem Al Adidi / Eisa Al Ali

GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA

Tom Barry-Cotter / Ross Willaton

CARPISA YAMAMAY

Alfredo Amato / Diego Testa

T - BONE STATION

Giovanni Carpitella / Luca Formilli Fendi

ABU DHABI TEAM

Rashed Suhail Al Tayer / Faleh Khalfan Almansoori

SIX

Matteo Nicolini / Tomaso Polli

FUJAIRAH TEAM

Serafino Barlesi / Alessandro Barone

LADY SPAIN

Jay Price / Shaun Torrente

SPIRIT OF FRANCE

Francois Pinelli / Saul Bubacco

TEAM AUSTRALIA

Brett Luhrmann / Pal Virik Nilsen

ABU DHABI TEAM 4

Majed Saeed Al Mansoori / Rashed Mubarak Al Qamzi

RAHEEB

Abdullateef Al Omani / Khaled Burabee

SWECAT RACING

Erik Stark / Michael Bengtsson in Swecat Racing - 2nd in Dubai and 2nd in the Championship raceboatinternational 35

OCRDA TORQUAY

TORQUAY

Bumper turnout for ocrda’s event “I’ll be the happiest man in Torquay if ten to twelve teams arrive for our season opener”.

Those were the words of Rob McCarthy, Chairman of OCRDA (Offshore Circuit Racing Drivers Association) a week before the first event of 2016. You can’t begin to imagine the smile on Rob’s face when on the morning of 14th May, he looked out over a fleet of twenty OCR boats on Torquay’s Haldon Pier, all primed for action. Article: David Sewell Photos: Tim Tapping 36 raceboatinternational

raceboatinternational 37

OCRDA TORQUAY

The town of Torquay, the Devon Riviera, has a long association with powerboat racing going back over half a century. It has been the half way point in the famous Cowes-Torquay-Cowes marathon since 1961, and thousands of spectators lining have enjoyed the sight of international Class 1 giants from the perfect vantage point of Halden Pier. However, whilst the big ‘muscle boats’ in those days only stopped briefly at Torquay before setting off back to Cowes, the OCR fleet competing in the 2016 OCRDA grand prix event performed right there in the Bay and the weekend action included four races, two on each day. The teams for this 12 race series over three weekends are divided into two classes - the Class 2 boats sporting motors up to 200hp, and Class 3 with 150hp engines. The identification of each class is by a 2 or 3 prefix in front of the craft’s number. Although many of the teams are based in Devon, there were several from much further afield. Alan Power and Paul Hutchin in ‘Power Marine’ together with Mark Power and Carl Kendelan in

‘AK Racing’ hail from Malahide, Dublin. An interesting duo was Dave Wilcock and his daughter Tania aboard ‘Full Circle’. Dave was racing OCR twenty years ago in its halcyon days, and although Tania raced for two seasons in another outfit, the appeal to race with her father was such that they acquired their Class 3 Phantom, and as the name implies, Dave has come ‘full circle’. There were two very quick Class 2 rigs entered - Graham Lawton and Mark Johnson in ‘Who Dares Swims’, and former world champions Jeremy Gibson and Barry Hollet in an almost identical Yamaha powered Phantom No. 19. Also posing a threat to these two was race series organiser Rob McCarthy in his brand new Belgium built Bernico ‘If Only’. In Class 3 Richard Mason deserves a medal as, after a horrendous accident two years ago when he was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, he has returned to OCR with Max Nichols in z‘Racing Green’.

Kerry Bobin and Reece Farmer in Club 3 Motorvator

After a sinking on Saturday Mark Mawby and Lee Casey’s Club 3 ‘BlueBell’ was ready for action again for Sunday

Grand Prix winners - Graham Lawton and Mark Johnson in Club 2 ‘Who Dares Swims’

Neal Ives and Kelly Waller in Club 3 ‘RYA Minions’

From Ireland, Alan Power and Paul Hutchin in Class 2 ‘Power Marine’ 38 raceboatinternational

Nick Newsam in Club 2 raceboatinternational 39

OCRDA TORQUAY

Kerry Bobin is not scared of investing a few pounds in his offshore racing, but his efforts on Saturday were scuppered due to mechanical ailments, and his purple Class 3 Phantom ‘Motorvator’ remained ashore. Then, after a good start on Sunday’s first race, progress was quickly hampered when the battery became loose and the team ended in the points, but only 95 of them. Jack Bobin, son of Kerry, was also disappointed and possibly wished he had stayed at home after Sunday’s second race when his immaculate Phantom outfit ‘Motorvated’ powered by the new Mercury 115hp four stroke, flipped over throwing him, navigator Lucy Mac and her expensive mobile phone into the bay. A similar fate befel Mark Mawby and Matthew Woodward during Saturday’s action when their outfit ‘Bluebell’ sank beneath the waves. However, their team burnt the midnight oil and managed to get ‘Bluebell’ fit and ready to race again for Sunday when the team performed admirably. Another casualty after Saturday’s race run in very lumpy conditions, was Phil ‘The Doc’ Hancock and James Goldsmith aboard ‘The Rock’ when they had to call it a day after all the engine mounts broke. One of the biggest disappointments of the weekend was the ‘no-show’ of former world champion Jeremy Gibson and Barry Hollet for Sunday’s shoot-out with Graham Lawton and Mark Johnson’s ‘Who Dares Swims’ in an almost idental Phantom to Gibson’s. After the races on Saturday had produced two epic duels between these two teams ending with a win each there was much anticipation for the last two races. However, on Sunday morning it was reported Gibson had gone home due to injuries to his navigator. Phil Hancock offered to deputise for Hollet, but the offer was not taken up and Lawton went unchallenged. Following the capsize of Jack Bobin in race two, a restart was called for. McCarthy jumped into the lead in ‘If Only’ and clung on until the chequered flag, relegating Lawton in ‘Who Dares Swins’ to the runner-up berth in Class 2. However, Lawton was still overall winner of the Torquay event with two firsts and two seconds. Barry Culver and George Gibb in ‘Hyperiosion’ filled third place ahead of the Irish duo of Mark Power and Carl Kendelan in ‘AK Racing’.

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Jack Bobin and Lucy Mac in Motorvated

Mark Power and Carl Kendelan in Club 2 ‘AK Racing’ Dave Wilcock and Tania Wilcock in Club 3 ‘Full Circle’ Craig Temple-Murray and Pal Scott in Club 3 No.17

raceboatinternational 41

OCRDA TORQUAY

Bob McCarthy and Andy Neimes in Club 2 ‘If Only’ - 2nd overall

RESULTS - OCRDA BRITISH NATIONALS - TORQUAY

Jeremy Gibson and Barry Hollet in Club 2 No.19

CLASS 2 up to 200hp

Richard Mason and Max Nichols in Club 3 ‘Racing Green’

Overall

Pos

No.

Driver

Co-Driver

Name

Graham Lawton

Mark Johnson

Who Dares Swims

1180

Bob McCarthy

Andy Nelmes

IF ONLY

970

Barry Culver

George Gibbs

Hyperactive

862

Mark Power

Carl Kendelan

AK Racing

777

Jeremy Gibson

Barry Hollet

TBA

560

Alan Power

Paul Hutchin

Power Marine

470

Nick Newsam

Mat Woodward

393

Malc Dopson

Joshua Lindsay

White Focus

162

Phil Hancock

James Goldsmith

The Rock

Mark Mawby

BlueBell

1022

Craig Temple-Murray Paul Scott

906

Dave Wilcock

Tania Wilcock

Full Circle

884

Jack Bobin

Lucy Mac

Motorvated

693

Lee Ornsby

Sam Jackson

603

Richard Mason

Max Nichols

Racing Green

504

Andy Hiscox

Andy Mac

Team Hyperactive

476

Neal Ives

Kelly Waller

RYA Minions

322

Kerry Bobin

Reece Farmer

Motorvator

CLASS 3 up to 150hp Lee Casey

Overall Lee Ornsby and Sam Jackson in Club 3 No.25

Andy Hiscox and Andy Mac in Club 3 ‘Team Hyperactive’ 42 raceboatinternational

Graham Lawton

Mark Johnson

Who Dares Swims

1140

Bob McCarthy

Andy Nelmes

IF ONLY

973

Barry Culver

George Gibbs

Hyperactive

746

Mark Mawby

Mat Woodward

BlueBell

710

Craig Temple-Murray Paul Scott

610

Mark Power

Carl Kendelan

AK Racing

580

Jeremy Gibson

Barry Hollet

TBA

560

Dave Wilcock

Tania Wilcock

Full Circle

494

Jack Bobin

Lucy Mac

Motorvated

436

Alan Power

Paul Hutchin

Power Marine

419

Lee Ornsby

Sam Jackson

361

Richard Mason

Max Nichols

Racing Green

343

Andy Hiscox

Andy Mac

Team Hyperactive

246

Nick Newsam

Lee Casey

190

Neal Ives

Kelly Waller

RYA Minions

162

Malc Dopson

Joshua Lindsay

White Focus

131

Phil Hancock

James Goldsmith

The Rock

Kerry Bobin

Reece Farmer

Motorvator

Haldon Pier, Torquay Mark Mawby and Matthew Woodward in ‘Bluebell’ collected maximum points in Class 3 despite their Saturday sinking, while Craig Temple-Murray and Paul Scott in No. 17 filled the runner up berth ahead of the Wilcocks Dave and Tania who struggled during the first Sunday race when a plug lead came adrift in ‘Full Circle’. If Torquay’s OCRDA event was marked out of ten, it would be at least nine and a half. Rob McCarthy did a good job organising the event and with Peter Butler’s commentary during the racing, it was just like the good old days. The next OCRDA event is at West Bay, Dorset, and their finals are in Plymouth, Devon.However, it seems that some teams who have begun the season with an RYA two event licence, will be unable to compete at both of these events, so they have a simple choice, either purchase a full National licence at £300 which requires a medical for effectively one race, or choose between West Bay or Plymouth. raceboatinternational 43

Left: Pushed into second place by the count back system was the brother and sister team of Sam and Daisy Coleman in ‘Pertemps Network’

P1 SUPERSTOCK - SCARBOROUGH

YORKSHIRE GRAND PRIX OF THE NORTH SEA

Scarborough served up a weekend of mighty, rolling waves that made surfers smile and powerboat and jet ski racers frown. With the safety of competitors being the primary concern, Saturday’s race programme was almost entirely abandoned and it was by no means certain that the fierce northerly wind and huge swell would die down sufficiently to allow Sunday’s racing to go ahead. But the wild North Sea calmed a little and the P1 fleet of ten race boats and twenty jet ski riders prepared to do battle in the Dale Power Solutions P1 Yorkshire Grand Prix of the Sea

The P1 SuperStock schedule was extended to three races and the punishing conditions took their toll in the opening race with three boats becoming casualties. It was a baptism of fire for the many new faces in the starting line-up, with the boats repeatedly taking to the air in spectacular style as they tackled the huge swell. After three bruising races, the result could not have been closer with two teams finishing level on points and a count back required before the ‘Quantum Racing’ crew of driver Kevin Burdock and navigator John Don44 raceboatinternational

nelly was declared as the winner. “That was tough, very tough,” said a weary but jubilant Burdock. “I wasn’t sure if we had done enough to come out on top and had to wait for the points to be checked and the count back to take place. I’m learning all the time as a powerboat racer and want to get better and better. I can’t wait to get on the water again for the next round in Scotland.” Pushed into second place by the count back system was the brother and sister team of Sam and Daisy Coleman from Pembrokeshire in the ‘Pertemps Network’

Quantum Racing

Kevin Burcock / John Donnelley

Pertemps Network

Daisy Coleman / Sam Coleman

Rawbank Racing

Stuart Cureton / Sara Cureton

Marine Racing

Glynn Norvall / Lee Norvall

Typhoo

Kevin Hunt / Carl Turner

Experience Kissimmee

Neil Jackson / Jason Jackson

Arthur J Gallagher

Arran Scott / Karl Turner

Visit Wales

Henry Morgan / Geraint Williams

Spirit of Inverclyde

Gordon Wicklow / Dino Zavaroni

Pickfords

Daisy Coleman / Sam Coleman

Southstreet

Andy Yeo / Ian Brusby

In the P1 jet ski race series, the much-anticipated, head-to-head encounter between the two top-ranked AquaX riders in the world – American Eric Francis and Phil Pope from Derbyshire – saw the British racer take top spot on the podium, proudly waving the Union Jack flag and telling the crowd that he plans to travel to Florida to take on the Americans in his own back yard and challenge for the No. 1 ranking. Welshman Richard Rowe and popular Scotsman Duncan Johnstone were the other AquaX class winners. The North Sea won the day on Saturday, but it was the P1 teams and riders who took the honours on Sunday.

“That was tough, very tough,” said a weary but jubilant Kevin Burdock after his win in ‘Quantum Racing’

boat, with ‘Rawbank Racing’ just two points behind to claim the third podium spot. P1 chief operating officer, Robert Wicks was relieved that racing was able to go ahead on the second day and praised the crews for their resilience: “The teams put on a superb show for the thousands of spectators along Marine Drive and the hydroflight and jet ski freestyle displays in the harbour drew big crowds. We enjoy racing in South Bay and really appreciate the warm welcome we receive from everyone in Scarborough.”

raceboatinternational 45

A Le Mans Start on Bournemouth Beach

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Photos: Mike Powell

ThunderCat Racing collaborating with Microlink? An unusual combination – but is it? From outside Microlink is seen as a powerboat series and a company selling computer equipment to the disabled. Sounds like a mismatch but actually the synergy between these two companies’ visions makes the partnership a powerful force for good

46 raceboatinternational

Fiona Pascoe, organiser of ThunderCat Racing UK, explains “It’s so easy to judge the book by the cover. A super model, beautiful and elegant, appearing to be perfect in every way; an ultra-fit military soldier, strong and powerful – but behind their visual persona there can be issues of PTS, anxiety, anger, depression, bipolar, chronic illnesses etc. As one of our Military veterans stated we always ask ‘how are you today?’, a typical British statement of politeness, but do we really mean it? Do we give time to listen and understand or wish to actually find out how the person is truly feeling - do

they need a shoulder to lean on? Both mental and physical illnesses have a stigma and lack of empathy in society, especially if we cannot evidently see the disability. The reality is, everyone has their demons, but some struggle more than others. For the past twelve years Microlink has been the backbone of ThunderCat Racing, enabling the global series and community to grow through their financial support and commitment. Our principles are the same, to champion issues around discrimination, rehabilitation, equality and inclusivity.” Fiona went on to tell us about her vast

selection of case studies within the series over the past twelve years; explaining how as a unified group of enthusiasts for the sport, whether on or off the water, every individual involved has their own story to tell. This unique community seems to have a special ingredient that offers people opportunities to forget their issues whilst having fun, laughter and rebuilding their lives. Through team work, connecting, personal development and individuals own win-win achievements ThunderCat Racing offers a better quality and understanding to life – as Fiona calls it ‘We are all so differently-able’.

raceboatinternational 47

Galaxy Girls-Ahmad Tea - Ria Pandey and Joanna Jedrasiak Danielle Strawford OOD with her ThunderDog Harley Right: Kingfisher Fire & Security Jake Lawrence & Nick Brockbanks Far right: Dave Sheldon from Multispark Racing Products picking up 1st place trophy for James Tapp getting soaked in champers from Charlie Hatfield Team 33, Bligh Julius dashing away and Darren Phillips and Rob Davies 3rd place from team Microlink-Ahmad Tea Below: Marc Newton & Martin Pullen getting plenty of air!

Photos: Mike Powell ThunderCatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main sponsor Microlink are experts in workplace assessments and the supply of products and services for people with a disability. They have changed over a quarter of a million lives to date, and their belief that anybody can succeed in work if given the right tools, whatever their disability or health condition, means everybody can reach their true potential. Microlink achieves outstanding results for businesses, increas-

48 raceboatinternational

ing productivity and reducing absenceeism by unparalleled levels. The company receives multiple accolades and awards for its tireless dedication to promoting fairness and dispelling the myths about disability. So whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the future? This inimitable partnership is intending to diverse into youth and adult education, rehabilitation and equality programs within one of the most extreme water sports as well as the corpo-

rate environment; an unusual combination that pushes boundaries both on and off the water to the limits. If you fancy coming to watch the racing or getting involved contact fiona@thundercatracing.com. In the meantime Raceboat International will continue to follow their progress and publish the stunning photography throughout 2016.

Above: Darren Phillips coming in for his beach stop during the Enduro whilst Rob Davies waits for his return Below: Both Davie Finlayson & Mike Littler overboard in Haggis Hunters

raceboatinternational 49

BROAD BANK HOLIDAY GP Brilliant opener to season

British competitors from the length and breadth of Britain headed to Oulton Broad for the first Grand Prix of the 2016 RYA Brtish Championships on 1st May as they competed in the Lowestoft GP for an action packed weekend. Article: Tony Cossington - Photos: Bryan Scott Local racer Thomas Mantripp got his season off to the best possible start in the junior G115 class proving to the rest of the fleet that he was once more going to be a formidable adversary taking a clean sweep of heat wins. Pushing him every step of the way was Harvey Smith who secured pole position for the weekend, and the Lowestoft GP second place ahead of Jonathan Brewer who was chasing down his wake every inch of the course but was forced to settle for third. Some fantastic racing from all of our young racers that continue to perform and develop with every race. Watching the battle out on the water it’s easy to forget that they are all under the age of 16 and certainly names to watch for in the future. Four of last year’s junior racers made the move up to the GT309 class. Tiegen Goodfellow, the only female racer in the series this year, joined the GT30 class along with Jack Pickles in addition to Thomas Mantripp and Elliot Fleet who have decided to compete in both the GT15 and GT30 classes. As qualifying results came in reigning British and former European Champion Ben Jelf had the pole position and looked to control the proceedings from the front of the pack. Thomas Mantripp secured second on the grid but as Ben led the way in the first heat it was our girl racer Tiegen Goodfellow who was hot on his wake. Ben Jelf once more took three clean heat wins to win the Lowestoft GP and Tiegen followed him into

the silver medal spot with 3 strong second place finishes in the heats. Meanwhile, the battle for third place ensured with Mantripp, Fleet, Jack Pickles and Tony Judge all vying for the final podium spot. However, an incident between Mantripp and Pickles saw both racers disqualified, and with 3 clean raes Elliot Fleet claimed the bronze postion, If the racing this weekend is anything to go by the GT30 class is really going to hot up this season! A favourite class for the venue, OSY400 saw the regular line up of reigning British Champion Luke Lugman with Jarrie Marr and Jason Mantripp, but they were also joined by Hydroplane racers Wayne Turner and Paul Jillings to really mix up proceedings. Hugman took Pole position in qualifying, but with a poor start in heat 1 Jamis Marr capitalised to take the lead leaving Hugman with lots of work to do. However, he managed to claw back postions to second holding him in good stead for the second heat. With the bit between his teeth Hugman ensured he got strong starts in both the final class heats to take clean wins from start to finish and see him claim the Lowestoft GP OSY400 title. Jame Marr battled Jason Mantripp for the Silver, and after hitting a turn buoy in the final heat Mantripp was forced to take Bronze. Turner and Tillings, who are getting used to the set up of the boats, used this first

round as a warm up session, but as they get to grips with a different type of racing we surely see some really close action on the 2016 OSY400 campaign. In the F4 Catamarans another reigning British Champion in the form of Sam Whittle was laying down the gauntlet to the rest of the fleet, and with less than 1.5 seconds separating the fleet in the qualifying session it looks like it could be another hotly contested competition for this season. Sam sailed away with the Lowestoft GP F4 title getting a fantastic start in the first heat and it wasn’t long before the champion pulled away from the following pack to take the first heat win. Another two heat wins to follow saw Sam get a perfect start to his season. Rob Veares took 3 clean second place performances to secure Silver, whilst two strong finishes in third for Matt Wood saw him claim the final podium place despite a mishap in the final heat that saw him miss a turn buoy and nearly miss the first podium of the season. When the hotly contested F2 catamarans with a fleet of 9 highly experienced racers took to the water all eyes were on every turn to see who would make the first move towards the British title. In qualifying a mere second separated the top 5 boats from the start and making it cleanly round the first turn buoy would be a vital move in winning the race. Former F2 British Champion Paul Balfour took pole position from Colin Jelf with 0.36 of a second separating the two. Meanwhile, disaster struck for reigning champion Steve Hoult as whilst heading up to the top turn he got caught by the wind and flipped a full 360 degrees, smashing a sponson and seeing his boat beyond repair for the rest of the weekend’s proceedings. GT30 reigning British and former European Champion 15 year old Ben Jelf

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F4 Reigning World Champion Sam Whittle

1st Colin Jelf, 2nd Paul Balfour, 3rd Scott Curtis raceboatinternational 51

LOWESTOFT GP

THE BRAND THAT BUILDS

MANUFACTURER OF HAND TOOLS, POWER TOOLS, FIXINGS, HARDWARE AND MORE

Luke Hugman Disaster struck Steve Hoult as he got caught by the wind and flipped a full 360 degrees

Colin Jelf Heading into the first race everyone was on the edge of their seats to see who would get the best start. As the lights went out Jelf got the jump on the rest of the fleet and with the clean water made the most of his lead to take the first win of the season with local driver Scott Curtis making a popular

2016 POWERBOAT GP RACING CALENDAR

1-2 MAY

OULTON BROAD

28-29 MAY

CARR MILL DAM

2-3 JULY

KINGSBURY WATERPARK

16-17 JULY

CHASEWATER COUNTRY PARK

3-4 AUG

STEWARTBY LAKE

17-18 SEPT

STEWARTBY LAKE

24-25 SEPT

STEWARTBY LAKE

come back to racing to steal second place from Paul Balfour. Heat 2 saw Balfour get the better start, but confident in the handling of his boat on this tight two pin course Jelf saw a slight gap in the turn and slipped past to take another heat win. The finale of a fantastic opening round to the season was once more left to the final race in the F2 competition. As the fleet awaited eagerly for the start lights to come on young gun Matt Palfreyman early started and left himself in an impossible position ahead of the fleet but a lap behind. Balfour and Jelf headed up the straight neck and neck, but Jelf made full advantage of the inside line to secure the 2016 Powerboat GP Lowestoft GP F2 title and get his season off to a flying start. Balfour secured the Silver medal podium position whilst local lad Scott

Curtis claimed Bronze. It wasn’t all disaster for Steve Hoult who, in a great show of sportsmanship from Gordon Cook, was lent Cook’s F2 boat to ensure that the reigning champion himself could claim at least some all-important championship points. Powerboat GP Promoter Jason Brewer had this to say on a fantastic first event for the season, “It’s been a brilliant opener to the season and with the racing we’ve seen this weekend it’s going to be a long road before the 2016 Powerboat GP Champions are crowned. There has been some fantastic battles in every class and we look set for some of the most thrilling racing we’ve seen to date as a championship.“

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POWERBOAT GP GEARS UP FOR

CARR MILL DAM

The Lancashire Grand Prix on 28/29 May saw five championship classes entertaining the local crowds of St Helens for the second round of the Powerboat GP RYA British Championship Article: Tony Cossington - Photos: Bryan Scott In the juniors GT15 class Lincoln’s Jonathon Brewer launched an attack on the championship following a disappointing result for the youngster at the Lowestoft Grand Prix. Jonathon was set to soar this weekend and securing pole position during qualifying he knew getting the best start would be vital to keep Thomas Mantripp and Harvey Smith in his wake. Taking the lead in every heat Jonathon drove his way to win the Lancishire Grand Prix leaving his peers to battle it out behind him. Two strong second places saw Harvey Smith secure the silver medal podium spot forcing Mantripp to settle with bronze. 15 year old Ben Jelf took a break from revising for his GCSEs as he continued his domination in the GT30 class securing pole position, the youngster was set to lead the way for the weekend. From pole position he then headed into the heats putting in a commanding performance to take three strong heat wins to secure the 2016 Lancashire Grand Prix and maintain his championship lead. The only female racer in the championship, Tiegan Goodfellow, qualifyed in third then a fourth place finish in the first heat. She then came back fighting in the second and third heats taking two second place finishes to secure the silver medal. Meanwhile, an epic battle ensured for third place with local lad Jack pickles, duelling it out against Jamie Norris and Thomas Mantripp to take the final podium place. Taking his second podium finish of the weekend Mantripp managed to hold Pickles and Norris at bay to claim Bronze. Making their first outing of the season was the T850 monohll fleet. On home water Wigan’s Bill Owen was looking to make a strong start to the season and took the first heat win. But Bill endured engine problems in the second heat and it was team mate Steve Cash who capitilised on his misfortune to take the win. It would go 54 raceboatinternational

down to the final heat to see who would win the first Powerboat GP Grand Prix title of the season, and as the start lights went out Steve Cash stormed towards the first turn with Jason Brewer and Nigel Edwards both alongside him. But there was no sign of Owen who was left on the start. He soon got away and at a blistering pace set off to catch the rest of the fleet. Steve Cash had established a strong lead, but Owen chased him down and by the final lap he’d caught up. Pushed every inch of the way Cash managed to secure the title and his first win in twenty years. The F4 Catamarans saw Rob Veares throw down the gauntlet to championship leader Sam Whittle and the rest of the fleet as he claimed pole in qualifying. From pole position he controlled the first two heats leading from start to finish despite immense pressure from Whittle. But determined to hold on to his championship lead in the first heat Whittle got a flying start to beat Veares into the first turn and claim the last heat win. A strong second place finish in the final heat was enough to secure Veares his first Championship win and leave him in a very strong position to challenge for the British championship title. Elsewhere in the F4 fleet, Matt Wood once again showed he has the pace to

soon start challenging for the lead, and Ben Jelf seemed to have ovecome his starting issues. Newcomer Leon King fell foul of the gusting winds that resulted in a spectacular flip, but not one to be down for long, Leon and team worked hard and were back in the final heat. Really hotting-up was the battle for the lead in the RYA British F2 Championship. Using home waters to his full advantage was Warrington’s Paul Balfour. Picking perfect lines around the course to secure himself Pole position and control over the weekends proceedings. Championshlip leader Colin Jelf qualified in second and reigning champion Steve Hoult bounced back from a disastrous opering round to secure third on the starting grid. With less than a second separating the top four boats spectators waited in anticipation to see who would claim the lead going into the first turn. But Balfour reigned supreme taking three out of three heat wins to secure the Lancashire Grand Prix title and joint championship leader. Jelf kept his championshlip dreams alive securing three strong second place finishes behind Balfour and the silver medal position. Looking to make his first podium fiinish of the season was Matt Palfreyman who looked set to claim the Bronze from Steve

Disaster for Matt Palfreyman who ramped a turn buoy

Hoult until disaster struck in the closing stages of the final heat as he dislodged a turn buoy and then used it as a ramp sending his boat skyward in a spectacular fashion. With `Matt out of the race Steve Hoult returned to the podium securing the Bronze medal. Powerboat GP promoter Jason Brewer reflected on a fantastic weekend’s racing “Once more we’ve had some amazing racing this weekend. In every single class there were battles going on throughout the fleets with every racer pushing for position. It’s been fantastic to watch. The banks have been lined with spectators all weekend and the racers certainly put on an awesome show.” The next grand prix is at Kingbury Waterpark, Bodymoor Heath on 2-3 July. Paul Balfour F2 winner

Rob Veares F4

Jonathan Brewer GT15 winner raceboatinternational 55

HUGE LOCAL CROWD WITNESS MULLAN VICTORY UNDER LIGHTS AT GRIFFITH 2016 Australian V8 Superboat Championships - round 1 Lake Wyangan, Griffith, NSW - 26 March 2016 Article: Sean Henshelwood Photos: Russel Puckeridge (Pureart Creative Images)

A record crowd witnessed the opening round of the 2016 Australian V8 Superboats Championship with the series regulars turning in a stunning display of racing under lights much to the great pleasure of the thousands assembled on the bank.

3 times champion Phonsy Mullan claimed the win at Griffith Ultimately, despite a number of boats coming out of the water through qualifying and the finals, it was very much statusquo in the Unlimited class with three-times champion Phonsy Mullan claiming the win in the final, although he needed two boats to do it - his impressive twin-turbo machine was eliminated in Q2 with a rare mechanical issue. Mullan may have claimed the win but he was pushed every step of the way by recently crowned world #4 Jamie Welch, former champion Daryl Hutton and the Sygidus brothers who had overcome a number of teething problems during 2015 with ‘Frankenzstain’. In the 400 Class there was always going to be a new name etched into the history books with the teams that have dominated 56 raceboatinternational

the category over the last decade taking a sabbatical. In the end Queenslander Brad Marsden drove a calculating race, leaving his big run until the final to claim the win over former 350 Class champion Brett Thornton. With four qualifiers starting mid-afternoon, the setting sun was always going to present a challenge, but to that point teams had an opportunity to dial themselves in ahead of the finals which were scheduled to begin after 7:00pm. Typically, the experienced teams went out hard, Phonsy Mullan’s stunning Q2 time of 37.735 raising the bar to a point where he was unchallenged heading into the finals. Behind him former champion Daryl Hutton, together with Jamie Welch and Ted Sygidus battled over the top three.

Two-times Unlimited Superboat champion Hutton - a former winner at Griffith - admitted that his weekend didn’t quite go to plan, a monster ‘off’ in the closing stages of the first qualifier forcing a change of strategy. “As we came around to cross the line, the boat just jumped out of the water, it was a scary moment,” the New Zealander admitted. “We were heading straight for the timing tower, but I managed to crank on the wheel and spin it up the bank, fortunately without any serious damage, but it was a scary ride!” After suffering a similar fate in the second qualifier, the jetboat veteran elected for a conservative approach to avoid any further dramas, and despite carrying a strong pace into the finals, he missed a berth in the final three.

Scott Krause in ‘soak’n Fused - I’d say so Whilst Hutton was one of a number of boats to eject themselves from the water, no-one suffered any serious damage, although a late session off in the final qualifier did force Sportsman class front-runner Ben Hathaway to invest in some panel work before the finals. Of the new competitors to the sport, there were a few out of water excursions, one of the biggest for Temora’s Scott Krause who made his debut in Unlimited Superboat, fitting a supercharged 372ci V8 ski-race motor into ‘Soak’n Fused’, the thunderous black boat finding the grass in the opening qualifier without damage. Fortunately, it didn’t deter the rookie driver, who returned to the delight of the crowd to run some competitive times on debut despite some inherent challenges with the new package. The Unlimited teams certainly delivered for the building crowd through qualifying, but the 400-Class field also saw some impressive runs, notably from returning competitors Jody Ely and Justin Roylance in ‘Rampage’, whilst Dave Moody in Ely’s old boat ‘Jackhammer’ also put on an impressive display, although once the qualifiers were over, it was former 350-Class champions Brooke Lucas and Brett Thornton who emerged at the top of the time sheets.

FINALS

Despite being forced into his ‘backup’ boat for the third qualifier after discovering a water leak in the exhaust, Phonsy Mullan still managed to top qualify in his naturally-aspirated 500ci machine, although he admitted that the boat had seen little work in recent years due to his investment in his twin-turbo

program. “We brought it with us in case there was a chance to sell it, but I’m glad we did,” Mullan admitted. “One of the crew noticed something coming out of the exhaust, we’re not sure yet what it is until we pull it down, so we decided to change boats to avoid any further potential damage. We hadn’t run the ‘old girl’ for years, and didn’t even have a jack shaft on it. I was a bit nervous about how it would go, and it did a few wiggles up the straight - just little teething things - but in the end we topped the session which surprised me a little.” From qualifying to the finals, Mullan and the RAMJET team kept improving the boat to the point where his final run in the top three was faster than the twin-turbo package, handing him his first big win of the year. Second in the end went to Jamie Welch, the West Australian admitting that his lap in the final was one out of the box. “I don’t know where it came from, but I’m glad it did,” he laughed post session as he congratulated Mullan on the win. Third was Darek Sygidus who turned a typically conservative, but consistent run to round out the podium. “I’m happy with that, we got the boat pretty well sorted ahead of this round and spent some time fine tuning it. I’m just disappointed for Ted - he didn’t make the final with me.” Quick through qualifying and running in the top three for most of the day, Ted Sygidus came into the second final in position two, but despite being on a stunning lap the former Group A champion came out of the water in the final stages of the lap after just grabbing the tyres in the dark.

“It’s getting tougher and tougher to determine the edge of the tyres and I just went in a bit deep,” he admitted afterwards. “It’s a pity because we were on a quick run, good enough to get us into the final, but it wasn’t to be. The good thing is that the boat is coming along nicely, we’re really getting on top of the package now, so we should be able to take the fight to the leaders across the rest of the year.” Fourth overall in the Unlimited class was Hutton who continued to take a conservative approach through the finals to score valuable championship points, whilst fifth was a driver who’d been missing from the sport for a few years - former world champion Slade Stanley. Originally slated to drive a brand new hull, the ‘Hazardous’ driver was unable to sort the package ahead of Griffith, instead jumping into ‘Allcott Transformer’ alongside Brad Marsden to score points prior to the debut of his new boat, a situation which whilst not ideal, certainly had a flow on effect for the boat owner who went on to claim his maiden 400-Class victory. Cheryl Welch claimed seventh overall, just missing the cut for the second final after a rare off in the darkening conditions. She just pipped fellow Superboat veteran Paul Burgess who turned in an impressive run through the qualifiers to be just off the tail of the top five. In the 400-Class the final looked like it would be a battle of the Queenslanders, with Brooke Lucas, Brett Thornton and Brad Marsden, but in the end there was a surprise visitor to the final three after an accident and an off in the second final eliminated three of the leading challengers. raceboatinternational 57

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Former 350-Class champion Brooke Lucas turned a conservative daytime approach into raw speed as the lights came on, the experienced campaigner the likely winner ahead of an out of water experience in the top six final, which eliminated ‘Trouble Maker’ on the spot. Returning 400-Class driver Justin Roylance was next to go with a tyre riding experience at the top of the circuit and a small fuel fire which ended his impressive run in Jody Ely’s new boat, whilst the boat-owner also impressed, running for a place in the final before a fuel pump failure on the ramp ended their weekend. “This was very much a last minute deal to get it altogether, but we had a blast,” Roylance admitted afterwards. “The hull was the ex ’Kamakazi’ that no-one had any real great success with, and in fact it looked destined for the scrap heap, but because my new boat and Jody‘s new boat weren’t ready, we ‘cobbled’ this together and what a package it was. In the end we qualified in the top three and Jody was in the final before we lost the fuel pump, and we could very well have gone on for the win. It gives us great hope

heading into the next round at Temora, and I can tell you it was a thrill to drive, I was absolutely rapt to be back in a boat.” Whilst frustration for the Ely-Roylance team, their retirement along with the elimination of Kev Laugesen in the top six after running at podium pace early in the day, and Brooke Lucas with a DNF in the first final, meant that Sportsman class competitor Ben Hathway qualified for the 400-Class final after a terrific run despite an off in qualifying. Ultimately, Brad Marsden, aided by team-mate Slade Stanley tuning the boat, turned in a brilliant drive to claim the win, with Thornton second, whilst Hathaway put in a blinder in the final to come within eight tenths of a second of the second step of the podium, in the process taking maximum points for the Sportsman class. The second round of the 2016 Australian V8 Superboats Championship will be another single-day event at Allcott Hire Park at Lake Centenary in Temora on 23 April, an event which will also see the running of the inaugural Colin Paris Memorial Trophy, and be run as an ANZAC Day tribute.

3rd - Jamie Welch

V8 2016 CALENDAR

26 MARCH

ROUND 1 - GRIFFITH NSW

23 APRIL

TEMORA NSW

21 MAY

TEMORA NSW

6-7 AUGUST

TWEED COAST NSW

3-4 SEPT

TWEED COast nsw

1 oct

temora nsw

29 oct

temora nsw - final

COVERING MONOHULLs AND MULTIHULLS, ONE OFF’S AND PRODUCTION BOATS

Now incorporating our in-house R & D department: First project being the Aquavite 3AZ150 race boat raceboatinternational 59

MULLAN UNSTOPPABLE IN TEMORA

2016 Australian V8 Superboat Championships - round 3 Allcott Hire Park, Temora, NSW - 21 May 2016 Article: Sean Henshelwood Photos: Russel Puckeridge (Pureart Creative Images)

Phonsy Mullan continues to storm towards his fourth consecutive Australian Unlimited Superboat crown with a decisive win under lights at Lake Centenary in Temora, the RAMJET Racing pilot untouchable across the weekend, topped every session of the day to keep alive a winning streak that stretches back almost two years, and defeating Darek Sygidus and two-time champion Darryl Hutton in the final. Whilst in 400 Class points leader Brett Thornton recorded his first win of the year and extended his points lead, the Queenslander battling Justin Roylance and David Moodie through the finals.

QUALIFYING

As expected, Mullan was quick straight out of the box, setting the fastest time in the opening qualifier with reigning World #4 Jamie Welch slotting in right behind, just four tenths shy. But no sooner had the West Australian returned to the trailer, came news that the front-running Natwel Racing machine would be forced to retire with head gasket failure. That opened the door for the ‘Excalibur’ team, with crowd favourites Mick Carroll and Tony Giustozzi leaping up the order to battle Mullan and former champion Darryl Hutton through the four qualifying sessions. Ultimately though no-one could stop the RAMJET pilot from setting the top spot, his jaw-dropping 38.886 in Q2 almost two seconds faster than his rivals. Mullan first, daylight second. Typically there was plenty of action in the qualifying sessions, Scott Krause’s leap out of the water in Q2 bringing the big local crowd to their feet as the Temora-based driver launched himself off the bank, but he ‘kept the boot in’ and righted the boat on landing to complete an exciting, although not very fast lap. In 400-Class, former 350 champion Brett Thornton made his intentions felt immediately, ultimately setting the fastest time in every qualifier to head into the finals with an advantage of almost one second, pushing his rivals to go looking for something a little extra, which forced more than one to find the limits of the circuit. In the end it was fellow Queenslander Brooke Lucas who got closest, with former Temora winner Greg Harriman third as the finals approached. Frustratingly for Spanet’s Kevin Laugesen the V8 Superboats veteran was unable to 60 raceboatinternational

find the form which made him an early favourite last time around at Temora, although he did enjoy a close battle with round two winner Mitch Roylance and Queenslander David Moodie.

FINALS

As the elimination finals began the likely podium contenders started to emerge. Sadly for Brooke Lucas, he and ‘Trouble Maker’ - despite being amongst the pre-season favourites - found the bank in the first final and were out of the serious points. Mullan meanwhile, stepped up the pace again in the Unlimited class, to lead the time sheets after the first final by just under a second from Daryl Hutton who turned in his best run of the day, although sadly it would be his last real challenge on the leaderboard, a mechanical failure in the final ending his weekend on a sour note despite collecting the silverware for third. As the night drew to a close, Mullan’s greatest challenger wound up being Darek Sygidus in ‘Frankenzstain’, the former 400-Class champion growing in confidence

with every run to get to within a second and a half of Mullan before the three time champion put any chance of a challenge completely out of the question, and posting a stunning 38.664 in the final - more than three seconds faster than Sygidus. Whilst Mullan went on to claim his third straight victory of the season, in 400-Class, Brett Thornton was well placed to achieve his first win of the year, in the end the greatest threat to his complete domination of the timesheets in round three came from Justin Roylance in the Top 6 final, the Forbes local getting to within 17 one hundredths of the Queenslander in ‘Rampage’. Thornton ‘stepped it up’ again in the final for his fastest run of the night, taking ‘2O Obsessed’ to victory over Justin Roylance by 0.54 seconds. David Moodie too was a big mover across the finals, running just a quarter of a second shy of Roylance into the final three, but contact with the bank, which resulted in a spin, hampered his progress and forced the ‘jackhammer’ pilot to settle for third.

Missing from the final were former Temora winner Greg Harriman and round two rookie winner Mitch Roylance. Both showed good pace early, Harriman second fastest in the final qualifier, whilst Mitch Roylance failed to rediscover the pace which saw him stand on the top step at Temora just four weeks prior. Now the focus shifts north, with the next

round of the 2016 Australian V8 Superboats Championship scheduled for the Tweed Coast Jetsprint Club, with rounds four and five held at the popular Cabarita Beach circuit, with the first event on 6-7 August, the second 3-4 September.

Phonsy Mullan leading in Unlimited Superboat

2016 Australian V8 Superboat Championships Series points 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1

Unlimited Superboat (after round 3 of 7) Phonsy Mullan RAMJET 108 Daryl Hutton American Automotive 86 Jamie Welch Natwel Racing 82 Darek Sygidus Frankenstein 81 Ted Sygidus Frankenstein 66 Paul Burgess Daly Transport 64 Cheryl Welch Natwel Racing 62 Scott Krause Soak’n Fused 60 Tony Giustozzi Excalibur 54 Mick Carroll Excalibur 48 Slade Stanley Hazardous 26 Daniel deVoigt Q-Bears 20 400-Class (Group A) (after round 3 of 7) Brett Thornton 2 Obsessed 99 Brooke Lucas Trouble Maker 30 Justin Roylance Rampage 24 Dave Moody Jackhammer 26 Kevin Laugesen Spanet 22 Jody Ely Rampage 28 Mitch Roylance Black Jack 62 Brad Marsden Allcott Transformer 54 Greg Harriman Pangaea Floors 54 SPORTSMAN (After round 3 of 7) Ben Hathaway Weapon 108

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QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FEATURING Formula and offshore world championships

First win of the year for Brett Thornton in 400 Class

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YESTERYEAR

1981

THE 1981 COWES-TORQUAY-COWES RACE WAS THE ROUGH EST SINCE 1971 AND OF THE 12 ENTRIES ONLY FOUR MADE IT PAST THE NEEDLES ON THE OUTWARD LEG AND ONLY FOUR MADE IT TO THE FINISH LINE. ITALIANS WERE THE FIRST TWO BOATS TO TAKE THE CHEQUERED FLAG, FOLLOWED BY AN AMERICAN AND FINALLY A BRIT. WHILE THE CLASS 1 AND 2 BOATS WERE BATTLING THE HORRENDOUS CONDIT IONS OF THE CHANNEL, A HEALTHY FLEET OF CLASS 3 AND CRUISERS HAD CHOSEN THE LESS TAXING 87 MILE ROUND THE ISLAND RACE.

Italian Alberto Smania won the Cowes/Torquay/Cowes event

1985 LACONGHA HOTEL/ KEY WEST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

in his 38 foot Don Shead designed Cuv, Rombo.

Italian Guido Niccolai finished second in his Don Shead designed 39 foot Picchiotti.

he 1981 Toyota Grand Prix between Cowes-Torquay-Cowes and the separate event Round the Isle of Wight for Class III craft and National Cruisers on August 30, had the roughest sea conditions since the gale force winds annihilated the fleet in 1971. Only 12 craft in the international Class I (16 litres) and Class II (8 litres) groups eventually joined the line-up for the main 247 mile Cowes/Torquay/Cowes marathon while 42 Class III (4 litres max) and National Cruisers took part in the more popular 87 mile Round the Island race. Although disappointing at first glance the total fleet was some 20 per cent above the 1980 figure. The weather forecast on the eve of the race gave no hint of conditions competitors would face as meteorologists seldom take the effect of tide into account when calculating a text book wave height. The briefing officer predicted south east winds reaching a maximum of force four with seas no higher than one meter. The wind speed was actually well below this figure when the race started at 11 am, but with the easterly tide flow against the southeast breeze the first 19 mile lap of the Solent between West Lepe and Ryde Middle buoys became a

nightmare. Only six Class I and II outfits were still fit to continue beyond the Needles 6 miles after the start, and of these only three were to finish within the official six and a half hour time limit. First to reach Cowes in the late after

62 raceboatinternational

noon was Italian Alberto Smania in his Mercruiser powered 38 ft. Shead designed Cuv Rombo. His average of 42.02 knots was the slowest Class I speed for ten years and emphasized the severe sea conditions particularly in Lyme Bay. Fellow Italian and 1979 winner, Guido Niccolai, drove Dry Martini - an almost identical craft built by Picchiotti - into second place 27 minutes later. There was then a gap of 42 minutes before the third and final finisher returned to Cowes. This well deserved place went to Paul Clauser of the United States in the 38 ft. Scarab Satisfaction. Colin Gervaise-Brazier in the Shead/ On the eve of

Souter Class II catamaran Goldrush was the fourth and final finisher in the main Cowes/ Torquay/Cowes race and the only British entry to complete the course. Unfortunately, he crossed the line 20 minutes outside the time limit but nevertheless collected an armful of awards (but no championship points) as consolation for his determined effort. It was the first time since the round Island event was introduced in 1968 that both races were started simultaneously and the 54 contenders (12 and 42) had little idea what the day held in store as the start was signaled. It was after rounding the first mark at West Lepe buoy four miles further on that a large

the two scheduled races, boats are scrutinized from every angle.

number were sliced out of the contest like an advancing army swept by machine gun fire. Englishman Ted Toleman in the 38 ft. Cougar catamaran Toleman Group was simply overwhelmed by breaking seas which swept his deck clear. Aquaglide a new Class II outboard powered catamaran, driven by Englishman Robert Cook, suffered a similar if less damaging fate soon after. Italian Tommaso De Simone in his triple outboard powered Pantera also retired with mechanical problems as did fellow countryman Renato Della Valle, winner of the Needles race one week earlier, with a broken drive shaft in the Class I Ego. The shaking had already broken off the recently fitted aerodynamic lifting wing on Goldrush and reduced her speed to

or hull problems and those which did retire mainly pulled out with crews injured by the pounding. Niccolai took the early lead in Dry Martini. He was followed by Smania in Rombo with Clauser’s Satisfaction third. But Clauser threw caution to the wind, opened up his throttle and had moved into second slot as the leading trio completed the short Solent circuit at Cowes and headed west to Torquay. Newcomer John Clarke in his Mercury powered Class IIID (4 litres) Phantom monohull Clarke Group Racing was leading the shorter Round the Island race and was even up among the Class I leader for the a crawl. miles and holding fourth place overMeanwhile the smaller Class III competi- first few Drinkwater in Bentley’s Oyster Barry all. were loop, tors, rounding the same Solent craft, was also well placed identical an suffering no less and retiring thick and fast. Bar, pulled out and retired bebut Clarke behind National The only exception were the slower loop. Solent the finishing Cruisers, a class recently introduced in Brit- fore place into leading the held Niccolai s, condition ain. More seaworthy in such beyond miles 80 Bay Lyme s notoriou their drivers approached the challenge as the to cover the minutes 78 taking after Cowes rather they would a rough offshore passage , but Clauser was forced to stop on than a contest of speed. Five of the eight distance s with a blocked fuel filter, and occasion two survived cruiser entries which eventually passed by Niccolai’s teamwas so, doing the course round the Isle of Wight belonged in Smania. mate detheir to to this category. It was a credit Sea conditions in Lyme Bay were exsigner/builders and a fine example for any Dry Martini, navigated by Englishtreme, models non-racing owners of the various Mantle, headed inshore in search Mike doubting their sea-keeping ability. In fact, man but lost time after nosewater calmer of ical very few cruisers suffered either mechan on page 55) (Continued

American Paul Clauser drove his 38 foot Scarab Satisfaction to third place in the Toyota Grand Prix.

Ted Toleman, in his 38 foot Cougar Toleman Group, was overwhelmed by the seas and retired after ten miles.

TEMPEST SEAS

(Continued from page 41)

wrong side of a Solent course marker, and unknowingly, technically disq ualidiving through a large breaking wave. fied. Smania, also navigated by loca l man Veteran English Class III driver, PeRobin Culpan, took a more direc t route ter Bloomfield in his IIID (4 litres ) Stapley to the Skerries, passed the stricken Dry catamaran Pobjoy Mint Two, held secMartini, and moved into lead posi tion. ond place behind the disqualified Clarke Niccolai restarted and managed to and later took the lead less than half a maintain second place on the hom eward mile from the finishing line whe n Clarke run ahead of Clauser and it was in these Group Racing slowed with engi ne probpositions that the surviving trio eventu- lems. ally reached the finishing line more than It was a well deserved victory for three hours later. Bloomfield and his crew who were folMeanwhile, in the Round the Islan d lowed later by Mike Lloyd in the Nati onal event, Clarke Group Racing was head- Cruiser Pent up Fury (Fairline/ Volvo) ing what remained of the 42 original and Mike Jones in the IIIC (2,000cc) starters. However, his efforts were to Phantom/Mercury Property Grow th Asprove in vain for Clarke had pass ed the surance finishing second and third. raceboatinternational 63

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We are actually looking for 4 captains for 2 speedboats as there will be 2 captains per boats working in shifts. There will be 3 speedboats in total based there. One has already been crewed and will start operating from May 16th on, the other 2 are still in the process of being bought so I haven’t got a precise start date yet. The conditions will be full time contract with 60 days leave per year. 2 return economy flight per year. Salary 5000 euros per month. The captains will be provided with accommodation either on one of the large yachts (100m+ Motor Yacht) or in an apartment or hotel. HuntoN FOR SALE - formerly Kent Koi and Garmin

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Features include: ■ Modular plug and play design ■ Stereo or Monaural Intercom Operation ■ 2-10 person configurations ■ 1-3 Marine VHF or Programmable VHF or UHF radios ■ Multiple Radio Switching ■ Digital Sound Suppression (DSP)

Marine Stereo Intercom Control Unit 2 year Warranty

Wireless Bluetooth Wireless Headset & Helmet Bluetooth Headset Belt Box Adapter

UHF or VHF Marine Radio

Cell Phone

Universal Plug in Headsets & Helmets

Video Recorder

Intercom with Digital Sound Suppression (DSP)

Intercom

Family of Products that will connect to Intercom

Audible Alarm

Intercom with Digital Sound Suppression (DSP) and Bluetooth Wireless Phone Feature

My son and I installed the complete radio system in a few hours and spent a few cleaning up some of the boats other systems. Jerry and I put the boat through some "fast" pace testing. Wow , the Tiger Performance Comm was so clear at any boat speed, with no engine electrical noise. Thanks for providing us with exactly what you said it would be. Great Job” Keith Snow, 46 Skater "Terrible", 1500hp Sterling

This safety hinge is the only reliable quick release safety hinge system on the market. High tensile strength, 316 Marine grade cast stainless steel and precision engineering ensures reliable performance.

SNELL SA2010 Certification

Intercom with Bluetooth Wireless Phone Feature

“I choose Tiger Performance for all my Racing and High Performance Communication Equipment. The Tiger Intercom Systems offers the best sound quality and more features than any other Stereo Intercom System on the market.” Bob Teague, Owner/Throttleman Teague Custom Marine, Inc. TEAM AMSOIL National & World Champion

MARINE GENERATION III STAINLESS STEEL SAFETY HINGES

Bell M arine h elMetS

■ Bluetooth Wireless phone, iPod and other device features ■ Mil Spec Waterproof breakaway plugs and jacks ■ Stereo / CD plug in ready ■ Audible Alarm, plug in ready ■ Digital Video Recorder audio out, plug in ready

WOrlDWiDe D iStriButOr fOr MSa M arine h elMetS

BELL SPORT MARINE FULL FACE HELMET (with Tiger Mask)

BELL SPORT MAG MARINE HELMET (with Tiger Mask)

MSA LH050 MARINE HELMET (with Tiger Mask)

■ Lightweight composite shell ■ Full ventilation system with chin bar ■ Forehead & Top Ventilation for maximum cooling ■ E-max Multi-density Liner ■ HANS ready (pre drilled) ■ SNELL 2010 Certified

■ Lightweight composite shell ■ Visor Peak ■ Smoke Visor (with Sun Peak) ■ Removeable Pad Inserts ■ HANS ready (pre drilled) ■ SNELL 2010 Certified

■ Single Inner Visor ■ Factory Bayonet Receivers ■ Comfort Padding ■ Removable ear cups ■ Adjustable leather chin strap ■ Lightweight Kevlar & Carbon Fiber Construction ■ Drawstring Helmet Bag

MSA LH250 MARINE HELMET (with Tiger Mask) ■ Inner Visor & Thermo Plastic Outer Visor Cover ■ Factory Bayonet Receivers ■ Comfort Padding ■ Removable ear cups ■ Adjustable leather chin strap ■ Lightweight Kevlar & Carbon Fiber Construction ■ Drawstring Helmet Bag

M arine “SBa/SL2” S urvival B reathing a ir S ySteMS PLUG-IN “SBA” QUICK DISCONNECT AIR SYSTEM When seconds count, don’t be without an SBA /SL2 system! ■ Ultra Lightweight and compact assembly components ■ Multi-port 1st Stage Regulator ■ Mini High Pressure Gauge ■ Stainless Steel Male Air Nipple ■ 2 port Swivel Adapter ■ 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 6.0 cu. ft., 3000 PSI cylinders ■ Plug-in Quick Disconnect ■ Holsters, Cylinder re-fill adapters, and other accessories available “SBA/SL2” INTEGRATED SECOND STAGE AIR SYSTEM ■ Ultra Lightweight and compact assembly components ■ Multi-port 1st Stage Regulator ■ Mini High Pressure Gauge ■ 2 port Swivel Adapter ■ 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 6.0 cu. ft., 3000 PSI cylinders ■ 20”, 27” or 36” flexible regulator hoses with swivel banjo fitting ■ Flat second stage regulator ■ Holsters, Cylinder re-fill adapters, and other accessories available

Tiger Performance Products, Inc. • 525 Bullis Rd. • West Seneca, New York 14224 • USA • phone: 1. 716 . 674.8545

• fax: 1. 716 . 674.7497 • shawkins@tigerper formance.com • www.tigerperformance.com raceboatinternational

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