Media Release: Team Konica Minolta Offshore Racing - Round 3

Media Release: Team Konica Minolta Offshore Racing - Round 3 - Still Waters Run Fast The Auckland summer arrived last weekend creating perfect spectator conditions and exciting rides for the Konica Minolta customers pre-race. The new location at Beachlands/Pine Harbour was superb with spectacular viewing from the shores and with the long slow ride out to open waters first thing in the morning, Konica Minolta guests clambered from the Cougar tender boat (thanks to Grant Smith) onto the Konica Minolta Force F19x for an exhilarating ride of their lives.

Team Leader Greg Brinck made the most of his return to the hot seat thrilling the customers with a top speed run. He was almost tempted to pull rank for the day and stay in the chair for the race, but good sense prevailed after a ‘big moment’ when hitting the Waiheke Ferry wake at 70mph+...... ruefully the job was left to the ‘young guns.

The light sea breeze barely made a dent on the water allowing all competitors a very fast getaway at the start line. As usual the roar of the Super boats got everyone’s attention that the race had begun, showing their magnificent spray as they sped past the shore.

Driver Mikey Smith, couldn’t wait to get back behind the wheel after a jaunt to Vegas and kept up his form leading the Sports 60 Restricted class at the outset.

Co-pilot Adam said “We timed the start perfectly and got the jump on all the other boats in our class. As we are all very close in speed the good start gave us an edge and allowed us to run in clean water.”

Mikey added “There was a small problem with the trim gauge so we were running on gut instinct for much of the race.”

The shoreline commentary created a few laughs as we heard how our boys were being chased down by Auckland District Collections – we can assure you there are no outstanding debts! The battle remained close between these two boats with Mike Knight closing the gap to just 100 metres with two laps to go. Mikey commented at the end of the race “We could see them catching us fairly quickly, and as we were running about half ballast we decided to ‘dump’ it all. Straight away we picked up another 2 mph keeping the lead to the finish, not to mention reaching our fastest speed of the day during the last leg.”

Adam chipped in saying “This was our first real test in calm conditions. The Force F19x, may be heavier than many of the other boats in this class, but still showed that it is a boat suited to all conditions, especially with the right equipment. The Evinrude ETEC engine is a definite advantage.”

Saturday was a fantastic family day out, and for Team Konica Minolta another superb result – still at the top of the points table. They have increased their championship lead in their class – Sports 60 Restricted as well as the overall 60 mile competition with 5 rounds still to go. Thanks to Trevor and the Konica Minolta team for their hospitality and delicious lunch catered by the Spit Roast Company.

Photos courtesy of Cathy Vercoe – www.LuvMyBoat.com Next race: Saturday 17th March in Napier. See you there.

For further information, contact Leanne Erceg 021 825 821