Raceboat International Issue #16 by Raceboat International

raceboat SURFURY MEMOIRS Yesteryear 1966

international.com

Issue 16 - JULY/AUGUST 2015

EVIAN GP

YOUSEFF AL-RUBAYAN’S FIRST F1 VICTORY

WORLD CLASS 3 SWEDEN CLASS 1 ITALY

1990 BRISTOL

P1 SUPERSTOCK

SCARBOROUGH UK/SARASOTA US

THE LAST GP

XDubai takes KING OF THE

SURF THUNDE

CASCAIS

RCATS BRITIS

H CHAMPIONS

HIP

Wherever your competition takes you... Trust the world’s only ISO accredited boat transporter to get you there safely. From Formula, Offshore, to Hydroplanes, Peters & May Racing provides unique logistics to the racing world. With over 25 years experience and a global network of offices, Peters & May Racing offers complete turnkey solutions that mean you get to focus on what you do best – Racing. Our world leading services include: • Global Boat Transport

• Race Event Logistics

• Time Critical Shipments • VAT & Customs Documentation

Contact Neil McKeown

- Powerboat racing logistics expert Telephone

+44 (0) 2380 480 512 Email

neilm@petersandmay.com Visit your nearest office at

www.petersandmay.com Our global offices include: u

(Head Office)

u u

USA Germany

u u

Spain France

u u

Asia Italy

Racing logistics, expertly delivered... A division of Peters & May

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 FREE OF CHARGE from raceboatinternational.com. EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES PO Box No. 4871 Poole, Dorset BH15 1HX Tel: +44 (0) 1202 625048 Mobile: 07896 230630 Email: david@raceboatinternational.com EDITOR David Sewell WEBSITE/NEWS John Moore www.raceboatinternational.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Carolynne Sewell CONTRIBUTORS John Moore Steve Micheal Neil Perkins Roy Mantle Sean Henshelwood Karien Jonckheere Dave Ormiston Colin Clarke Jeremy Ward PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Tapping Simon Palfrader Raffaello Bastiani Vittorio Obertone Chris Davies Arek Rejs Graham Stevens Paul Kemiel Russel Puckeridge Jeremy Ward Andrew Le Poidevin Martin Gray SUBSCRIPTIONS (4 issues) £30 per annum (U.K.) £35 per annum (Europe) £40 per annum (ROW) Post cheque made payable to: Raceboat International or pay by Paypal on-line www.raceboatinternational.com FRONT COVER PHOTO BY Arek Rejs - Shaun Torrente 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 What a year 2015 is turning out to be, and we have only reached the half way stage. Races have been cancelled, drivers have been banned and the RYA seems to be causing a great deal of unnecessary stress to the UK offshore powerboat community. It seems strange that Thundercats have had so many races already - what are they doing right? Guernsey is another ‘hot spot’ for offshore racing with three well supported races under their belt, and P1 Superstock looks to have their house in order. Why is it that Brits can take their boats to the Channel Islands to race but don’t support English meetings....it can’t just be duty free surely. Organisers of the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race (the oldest race in offshore history) still get concerned about how many entries will arrive for their famous event, and at the Venice-Monte Carlo race in early July only seven crossed the line ranging from a small RIB to a Pershing 53 and including three Class 1 V hulls. Judging by comments I have heard there seems to be a general concensus that the RYA Powerboat Racing division should be closed down and restarted next year, and judging by some of the actions taken by the RYA lately it might as well have closed down already. Banned drivers, banned officials, banned promoters, cancelled events to name but a few controversial decisions made by the RYA over the last year. An independent consultant has been recruited to try and discover what’s needed to ‘kick start’ the RYA powerboat racing department back on track, but having seen the unhelpful survey form sent out to members I’m not holding my breath. With very little domestic activity this term the small British contingent who went to Sweden for the Class 3 World Championship did remarkably well. It was a cracking event which included several local classes, and over sixty entries took part. There is a glimmer of hope emerging for the ailing Class 1/V-1 championship with two interested parties bidding for the rights to promote this prestigious championship. It is still feasible for the series to be resumed by another promoter, although it’s not going to be easy with the emergence of the X Cats which cost a fraction of a Class 1 package. The UIM have make a decision by the end of July. In the meantime the championship will still conclude in December this year in Abu Dhabi.

Dave David Sewell Editor

SAFETY FIRST WORLDWIDE WITH LIFELINE! The very best in marine safety since 1967 • We ship to racers worldwide Order today: 928-669-9241 • sales@lifelineracegear.com LIFELINE ADVANCED AIR SYSTEM #AIR

Adjustable fit, Stage 2 Scuba regulator, 2 exhaust valves, LP hose with “T” manifold, quick disconnects, helmet eject system. Snell SA2010 helmet is pre-drilled for HANS. Includes 3 pr. goggles. White, black, orange; XS-XXL.

YOUTH RACER FULL FACE HELMET #GP2 The helmet made specifically for kids! Smaller sizes for young racers. Fire retardant, SFI 24.1 certified, vents for maximum ventilation. Removable liner for easy cleaning.

6-POINT RESTRAINT SYSTEM #750

Designed for Boat Racing! Adjustable, SFI certified, heavy-duty 2” or 3” wide polyester with NanoSphere® defies water, dirt, UV rays, chemicals. Pull-up lap belt, Latch/Link system, Quick-Flip non-slip adjusters.

LIFELINE COMP VEST #170 Custom colors available.

LIFELINE HELMET SUPPORT SYSTEM #410 CAPSULE SUIT LIFE JACKET #150 Custom colors available.

DRIVING GLOVES #720 AND SHOES #730 NECKSGEN HELMET RESTRAINT #REV

See our entire line at www.lifelineracegear.com

lifelineracegear.com

contents www.raceboatinternational.com

34 48

NEWS BRIEFING Who’s WHO and what’s WHAT

FAST ON WATER BRISTOL 25 Celebrating the last Bristol Grand Prix in 1990

CLASS 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Salerno, Italy - the first of 2 events this year

XCAT WORLD SERIES XDubai one point ahead after 3rd round Cascais Grand Prix

2015 WORLD F1 FRENCH GP Youseff Al-Rubayan secures his first F1 victory in Evian beating World Champion Philippe Chiappe

GB P1 SUPERSTOCK FLYING PANTHER snatches victory in the opening round of 2015 British season

38 US P1 SUPERSTOCK A thrilling race win for LYCAMOBILE RACING in Sarasota

CLASS 3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - SWEDEN Teams from England and the Channel Islands joined the Swedish for UIM international honours

42 TORBAY Just 5 boats racing, but the tradition goes on and it can only get better

52 54

GUERNSEY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Heats 1 & 2 of the Stanley Gibbons Investment Series

RYA CHAMPIONSHIPS GUERNSEY Ocke Mannerfelt V24 class boats top of the bill

USF1 POWERBOAT TOUR 3rd Annual Maple City Grand Prix in LaPorte, Indiana

THUNDERCAT RACING Rounds 3-8 in Watergate Bay, Fistral Beach & Southsea

2015 AUSTRALIAN V8 SUPERBOAT Mullan claims back-to-back wins in Cabarita

NEW ZEALAND OFFSHORE Fairview Windows revelled in the light conditions

66 YESTERYEAR The success story of Surfury from 1966 72

TAKING THE PIC Pit Action Photos raceboatinternational 5

hat w s ’ t e wha d scen t n a a o b r whothe powe s ’ o n o Wh

UIM CLASS 1/V-1

2016 DAWN OF A NEW ERA After almost three decades and umpteen promoters, the UIM World Class 1 Championship will come to an end in Abu Dhabi in December 2015. However, it’s not all doom and gloom as the UIM put the Class 1/V1 promotion up for tender and of all the applicants they received, they have chosen two, who they consider suitable. One is British based EMME-E Group Ltd (London) and the other is IPO based in the Abu Dhabi International Marine Club and a decision will be made by 31st July 2015. There are no venues in place for 2016 so the new promoter will be starting with a clean sheet, and it certainly won’t be an easy task. With the emergence of XCATS introducing new venues and new boats, the new Class 1/V-1 promoter face serious opposition. Nevertheless, Class 1 has one major advantage, there is nothing more dramatic and spectacular than a Class 1 cat in full flight with

its screaming open exhausts of highly tuned V8’s. In the meantime, the 2015 season started with a race off Salerno, Italy, one of the stop-over venues of the Venezia-Monte Carlo race. Class 1 cats don’t have the fuel capacity for marathon races so it was decided to lay a course off Salerno just for the opening two rounds of the 2015 UIM World series, along with two or three of the V-1 boats. Two Abu Dhabi boats and one of the two Fendi cats have entered, together with ‘Zabo’ and Dubai’s ‘Victory’ team who have chartered a cat from an Italian owner. Terracina, Italy is listed on the 2015 calendar, but it seem unlikely to host an event there this term so the final two races will be in Abu Dhabi.

VICTORY TO BUILD CIRCUIT BOATS While in Evian, France we spoke to Victory boss Arif Al Zaffain who announcd that Dubai based Victory are to start building Formula cats and he made no secret of it. Bearing in mind the success the company have enjoyed with their Class 1, 2 and X cats, there is no reason to assume they won’t repeat that success in circuit craft. Al Zaffain did not indicate what hull their cats will be based on bearing in mind the majority of today’s models originated from a Burgess creation so it’s fair to say a Victory F1/2 model will be derived from anyone of the current race boats. Quite simply it’s very difficult to notice any obvious difference with running surfaces, although the width of tunnels can differ however the deck and topsides can vary tremendously. Although the BaBa hull used by Victory in Sharjah and Evian was driven by American i.e Price and Torrente, Al Zaffain insists the Victory Formula cats will be driven by Arab pilots and Victory will be starting a training programme in the very near future. 6 raceboatinternational

HELMET MOUNTED CAMCORDERS BANNED

GoPro helmet camcorders have been banned from powerboat racing. Following the serious injury to Michael Schumacher whilst skiing, the powers that be have said that the fixing of GoPro camcorders on helmets effect the strength of the composite either by the adhesive or fixing boats. Camcorders can be fitted to engine cowels and the water deflectors in front of the driver as long as it does not affect his vision. After examination of helmet which have been drilled to fix cameras or adhesive, it has been proven to reduce the overall strength of GRP or composite headgear. However banning helmet cams does not apply to all motorised sports as we saw a speedway race recently where three of the four riders sported the gizmos and steepchase jockeys have been seen to be wearing one on the headgear.

INNOVATIVE

DESIGN

of HIGH PERFORMANCE craft

HENDRICKS BOAT RE-ENGINED The long awaited racing debut of German businessman’s Markus Hendricks new monohull has taken one step nearer to fruition when it was announced the huge 50 footer with be running with twin Mercruiser 1350hp V8’s as opposed to the V12 Ilmor’s originally planned. The Adam Younger designed craft built by Ross Smith Marine in Lymington, Hampshire had suffered countless delays and when it was finally launched, the designer and builder excepted the Ilmor’s were not powerful enough to give the boat a fighting chance when it lines up in the 2015 Cowes- Torquay marathon so the big Mercruisers were chosen to show off the craft’s full potential.

for RACE, LEISURE, RIB and COMMERCIAL MARKETS From concept to full design - Turning IDEAS

into REALITY

LUNDIN WINS FIRST ROUND WORLD F2 SERIES It’s great to see ‘Mr Nice Guy’ Pierre Lundin has win round one of the F2 World Championships in Brindizi - congratulations to the Lundin Marin team who prepared Pierre’s new rig. Pierre Lundin from Sweden excelled in F1 when he was with CITC China alongside Philippe Chiappe, if his performance in Brindizi is anything to go by, he could be on his way to a world title. We must congratulate the runner-up Nick Bisterfield and Britain’s Matt Palfreyman who clinched 3rd place. Matt was an important part of the F1h2o family as a pilot in F4S and the official pace boat driver but like Pierre, running his own race team was an opportunity to good to miss. Next issue Raceboat will have a full feature on the Norwegian F2 World Championship event which is promoted by Frode Sunsdal

www.adamyoungerdesign.com Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, UK Tel: +44 (1983) 760723 raceboatinternational 7

A NEW TEAM ENTERS F1 SERIES SENAAT EMIRATE RACING

For the first time since CITC China joined F1 several years ago a new team has entered the fray for the 2015 series and once the teething problems are sorted out, they are billed to be one of the strongest on the grid.

The two Emirate Racing 2 boat team - Al Hameli 27 and Stark 28, at their first meeting in Evian, France

8 raceboatinternational

MARKETPLACE NOW K O O B

Ahmed Al Hameli (Above) and Eric Stark hand picked by Scott Gillman for his new F1 team Left: Scott Gillman has been Al Hameli’s racing mentor for the last decade Senaat Emirate Racing has facilities both in the UAE and headquarters in the Italian town of Casale Monferrato (left)

When Scott Gillman parted company with Abu Dhabi International Marine Club after 15 years as the F1 team’s Powerboat Manager, it was an opportunity for him to fulfill an ambition For all the latest he has long harboured to manage his own racing team, and News, Results andto time. He officially retired be able to race himself from time from racing in Reviews 2007, but likes to keep his hand in when he can. And so, Senaat Emirate Racing was formed after he Europe’s Newest Builder of Custom High Performance Catamaran Log onto swiftly sourced sponsorship from one of the or biggest Powerboats. Single or Twin Outboard, Pleasure Race industrial All Boats CE Certifi edArab Emirates. names inwww.worldof the United Senaat have pledged their support on a long term basis Power Marine, powerboats.com Dublin, Ireland. and Emirate Racing have facilities in the UAE and a European www.powermarine.ie HQ in Casale Monferrato, Italy. Once the investment and alan@powermarine.ie +353 86 8783735 workshops were in place Scott set about recruiting the best pilots available, and who better than Abu Dhabi’s Ahmed Al Hameli and four times Swedish world F2 champion Erik PROPELLERS Stark. The first time the duo performed as a team was in The UK’s leading propeller Evian, France on Lake Geneva. Conditions were far fromEst. ideal specialist 1958 PROP REPAIRS 3-4 Days + P&P NEW PROPELLERS available from stock for qualifying and Al Hameli crashed out while attempting to Alum prices online ordering available at www.steeldevelopments.co.uk reach in an injured 0 – 9” dia the top six shoot. £30.00 The Sizeincident resulted Aluminium Stainless Steel 9.1/8” – 11” dia £32.50 A/B series 9.9–35hp fr £55.00 th fr £120.00 wrist and he retired from the race after starting 7 . Stark, a £175.00 11.1/8” – 14” dia £34.50 C series 40-65hp £85.00 14.1/8” – 16” dia £36.50 D series 70-125hp £89.99 fr £189.99 resident of Stockholm faired better and was lying in 5th place 16.1/8” – 48” dia POA E series 135-300hp £99.00 fr £199.99 Bronze ten props laps to the + £2.00 Bravo II a rival piled£495.00 with finish when into the back of£495.00 Stainless steel Props £57.50 Volvo SP £135.00 fr £250.00 him and forcedVolvo toDuo retire. However far from being Impellers from he too was £35.50 fr £345.00 fr £740.00 Rebushes Skeg repair POA too down- hearted Scott and his crew are looking forward to All prices + P&P + VAT Standard P&P £9.00 Express P&P £12.00 round three in Porto, Portugal when Senaat Emirate RacDept WPB, 240 Merton Road, London, SW18 5JQ ing should be prepared to show their true colours and with Tel 020 8874 7059 Fax 020 8877 9537 the season onlywww.steeldevelopments.co.uk just starting, Emirate Racing can confidently boast that they have the strongest two man team.

Builders of racing winning S3000, S2000 and Formula 1 Tunnel Boat 135 rue des Vignes du Val 277700 Tosny, France Tel: +33 (0) 232 54 15 29 Fax: +33 (0) 232 54 43 98 GSM: 06 08 16 45 78

Steel Developments

WORLD OF P OWE RB OAT S

JANUARY/FE BRUARY 2 011 579 raceboatinternational

POWER GIRL WEDS

Former european 2ltr champion Sarah Donohue finally tied the knot on June 10th in Marbella to former Royal Marine of 20 years, Lee Barrett.

XCAT’s Matteo Nicolini gives away the bride

Joined by 16 close friends and without pressures of family being present they enjoyed a warm wedding at Salduna Beach Club until the early hours. Sarah was given away by long term friend Matteo Nicolini and also present from powerboat racing was Miles Jennings, Debra France and John Ridd. Sarah’s now runs 10 raceboatinternational

Miss Galaxy Universe, europe’s biggest all female fitness show and her bridesmaids are all part of the show apart from Tilly Garcia a bar owner from Alicante who has known Sarah for 25 years. Unable to attend Sarah’s wedding were Matteo’s brother Luca who had to work, and Sarah’s long term friend Giovanni Carpitella who also an engine

delivery to see to, although that didn’t hinder the lively entertainment. Sarah said, ‘racing is racing, and they have to prepare. There are plenty of other occasions to celebrate.’ Matteo and Miles both had to leave the morning after the night before to get to their next race in Cascai whilst Sarah and friends remained at the 8 bedroomed villa for the rest of the week. Rumour has it that Sarah along with 3 other well-versed women are gearing up to set a world record in the coming 2 years, London to Monte Carlo, but sworn to secrecy she couldn’t answer any questions and said that nothing was solid. One things for sure we know her new husband has his hands full, but if anyone can tame her, its a Royal Marine.

IN BRIEF

NEW ULTRAFLEX STEERING WHEELS New 35 cm (13.8”) diam. steering wheel models have been introduced to the wide range of Ultraflex steering wheels. They all fit Ultraflex steering helms with or without tilt and paddle trim. Adorno is a fine steering wheel available either with leather or polyurethane grip, chrome plated or painted center cap. Contarini is a new classic steering wheel with a 316 stainless steel frame and technical rubber grip. Grimani is a sport steering wheel featuring an anatomic grip and the possibility to opt for either chrome plated or painted inserts. Ultraflex steering wheels are branded “Vero Volante Italiano”, to guarantee that all the models are designed, engineered and manufactured in Italy, by employing Italian components and technologies according to Ultraflex’ quality control system. They meet the EEC directive 94/25 requirements and they are CE marked in conformity with the EN 28848 – EN 29775 and ABYC P22 safety standards.

new - from lundin marin sweden

TRIM INDICATOR Lundins Marine produce a wide range of products for high performance outboards including anodized aluminum trim and lift indicators with stainless bracket. PRICE 95€

TEST DISC Balance anodized Test Disc for F1 & F2 Optimax for running in the engine etc... PRICE 499€

EFI 4-button tester This MDDU (Mercury Digital Diagnostic Unit) is made for Mercury outboards 2,0L - 2,4L - 2,5L ECU´s 849849A1-14 and 8M80232** HiPerformance engines used in Formula 1 and 2. Produced by Lundins Marine R&D the unit has a newer updated communication software which makes it more reliable during diagnostic testing, and has many other valuable functions:Fuel Adj%, Real time RPM, Peak RPM, Injector Pulses, Injectors Spray Test, Self test Diag, Temp C or F, Volt check, Charge check, Data Recept etc., PRICE 995€

FOUR HURT IN POWERBOAT CRASH The crew of four survived a horrendous crash in Southampton Waters in late May. The new 42 foot Vector monohull powered by twin Ilmor engines was scorching along at about 70mph when it hooked to port. The craft collided with a large iron channel marker buoy resulting in the Vector flipping over. Three of the crew escaped from the cabin, but a 17 year old was trapped inside with serious head and arm injuries. The craft’s skipper, who is also the father of the youngster, dived back into the upturned hull and managed to pull his son to safety. Three of the crew received minor injuries while the young man was airlifted to hospital. Since the accident the boy has been released from hospital and begins the long road to recovery.

CAPELLINI - CLEARED OF FRAUD AND TAX EVASION After a case lasting over six years and involving 6 million Euros, ten times world F1 champion Guido Cappellini has finally been cleared of all charges against him. How much it cost to investigate the Italian is anyone’s guess as it reached the Supreme Court. Cappellini has pleaded his innocence throughout claiming he was a resident of Monaco and not Italy.

RYA RECRUITS OUTSIDER FOR POWERBOAT RACING REVIEW In an attempt to ascertain why the RYA National Championship is suffering unprecidented problems an independent surveyor has been commissioned to carry out an investigation of the situation and hopefully he can proceed without influence from staff already involved in the organization. A survey was sent out recently to competitors asking questions like a) Do you own a boat? b) When did you last have a licence? c) Was it easy to get? The contents of the survey will at least show that the numbers of competitors have dropped dramatically in the last decade. Maybe they would shed more light on the situation if they asked a) What do you think is wrong with powerboat racing in the UK? and b) Who do you think is responsible? raceboatinternational 11

A WEEKEND OF NOSTALGIA It was an opportunity too good to turn down. A weekend in Bristol rubbing shoulder with the stars of yesteryear at a party to celebrate the final BRISTOL GRAND PRIX that took place in 1990 The Fast on Water Bristol 25 was the brainchild of Roy Cooper ably assisted by former F1 pilots Dene Stallard, Steve Kerton and Pelli Brolin. The guest list was a galaxy of household names from the golden era of Bristol Grand Prix Powerboat Racing. The ultimate prize from winning the race then was the £80,000 Duke of York Trophy which Seebold won 8 times and Jonathan Jones 4 times. Possibly the most famous Seebold victory that captured the attention of 250,000 race fans surrounding the dock was when Bill Seebold won the 2 litre race that preceeded the Grand Prix. He swept into the pits where his crew removed the 2 litre engine and fitted a V8 F1 engine. With only 12 raceboatinternational

seconds to spare, the American roared out of the pits and joined his rivals on the start grid and the effort was well worthwhile. Billy Seebold won the Grand Prix which produced tumultuous applause from his thousands of fans who had crossed the Atlantic to witness his victory. After meeting up at the Bristol Hotel that was once race HQ during the event’s 19 year history, the group made their way to the dockside and boarded two ferries which proceeded on to the original race course. Much to everyone’s surprise, an Formula 1 cat swept past with Steve Kerton at the control, the first time apparently, that an F1 boat had been seen on the dock since 1990. The next stop was the SS Great Britain where the

Lord Mayor of Bristol Rt Hon Clare Campion Smith greeted the distinguished guests at a reception in the dockside building. After various speeches there was a tour of Brunels Great Britain, one of the city’s most famous attractions. Celebrations went on into the evening with dinner when when there was much reminiscing of the Bristol Grand Prix days and on the stage was Chris Bush’s Burgess F1 boat alongside Seebold’s Nordica sponsored F1 outfit. Apparently, the Fast on Water team are planning a touring exhibition that will not only relate to members of the public Britain’s illustrious past, but also promote the sport for the future.

5 times World Champion Jonathan Jones (left) and Pelle Brolin from Sweden

SS Great Britain

F1 driver Dene Stallard greets the Mayor of Bristol Coun. Clare Campion-Smith

Pelle Brolin (left) and Mike Zamparelli Left: Andy Elliott who continued racing F1 until just 4 years ago, the legendary Billy Seebold

Carlos Maidana (left) and F4 driver Ken McCrorie Right: Bristol 25 organisers have produced a souvineer poster signed by all the drivers who attended the event in Bristol Left: Steve Kerton driving what is believed to be the first F1 boat to make an appearance on Bristol Docks for 25 years.

raceboatinternational 13

MAGNIFICENT START TO CLASS I SEASON FOR ABU DHABI Article: Nigel Quilter Photos: Simon Palfrader, Raffaello Bastian

It all came good for the Abu Dhabi Class 1 team in the opening round of the 2015 UIM World Class 1 Championship. They arrived in Salerno, Italy with two MTi boats and an international crew of American’s John Tomlinson and Gary Ballough in one cat and UAE’s Majid Al Mansoori and Rashid Al Tayer in the other. This was not a typical Class 1 event as it was made part of the famous VeneziaMonte Carlo marathon rather than an event in the H2o series which only has one grand prix fixure this season for Class 1. So the 2015 Class 1 World Championship looks like it will consist of 4 heats at 2 events, although Terracima, Italy is still tentatively on the calendar for October. A circuit had been laid out in Salerno, Italy to cater for the cats and four Class 1V boats, but because of the uncertainty of the meeting only five class 1 cats arrived at the Italian venue. Reigning champions, Victory team Arif Saif Al-Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi chose to charter a boat rather than ship their own boat from Dubai. Despite the very short notice, Abu Dhabi decided to pull out all the stops and managed to ship both their craft to Italy, and it paid dividends as they completed a unique 1-2 in the first of the two races. The American duo of driver Gary Ballough and throttleman John Tomlinson qualified the first of the two Team Abu Dhabi American-built MTi boats in second place, with the Emirati pairing of Majid Al-Mansoori and Rashid Al-Tayer starting the race just behind their team-mates in third after the morning’s qualifying session. “It was all a bit of a rush getting the boats shipped in and everything ready for the start at the last minute, but this result goes to prove that it was all worth it, and the team is on the right track for a really good challenge for the Class 1 title this year,” said Al-Tayer. “We need to keep the momentum going into the second race and try and deliver a 1-2 for Abu Dhabi again.” 14 raceboatinternational

Britain’s Miles Jennings and Giovanni Carpetella was up with the front-runners aboard Fendi 10 throughout the race until an engine management malfunction on the last lap dropped them to the back of the pack. Team Abu Dhabi faced a fierce challenge in Salerno from the defending UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Champions, Arif Saif Al-Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi. Rather than use their usual boat, the Dubai-based duo leased a Victory-built hull from Mauro D’Alessio and went on to qualify for the first race in fourth position. They rounded off the podium places with third overall. Italian Giovanni Carpitella and England’s Miles Jennings also lined up at the start in their Fendi Racing entry and claimed pole, while Swedish rookie Niclas Johansson replaced Ugur Isik and joined Christian Zaborowski in a Zabo Racing entry in the fifth boat. They qualified fifth and finished the race in fourth place. Team Abu Dhabi continued their superb start to the new UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship season with first and fourth positions in the second of the two Salerno races, held in conjunction with the seventh leg of the Venice-Monte Carlo endurance race, on Thursday. It means that the team that runs out of the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC) leads the prestigious offshore series after the first round. The triumphant race pairing of Gary Ballough and throttleman John Tomlinson had won the opening race on Wednesday afternoon in their American-built MTi catamaran and claimed pole position for the second race. They were not to be denied in race two

either and passed the chequered flag in first place to cap a perfect weekend for the UAE team. The Emirati pairing of Majid Al-Mansoori and Rashid Al-Tayer had finished second in the first 13-lap encounter and qualified third for the second of the Italian races behind Italian driver Giovanni Carpitella and England’s Miles Jennings in Fendi Racing’s T-Bone Station. An engine issue had cost Carpitella and Jennings a potential second place on Wednesday and they competed race two in third. Al-Mansoori and Al-Tayer reached the finish in fourth in the second Team Abu Dhabi boat. “This has been a fantastic weekend for Team Abu Dhabi and a perfect way to start the season with two race wins,” said Team Abu Dhabi spokesman Salem Al-Remeithi. “The whole team is focused and we really feel that we can win the Class 1 World Championship this year. There may well be more races to go into the calendar, even at this late stage, but we will take this as a perfect start and look forward to the rest of the championship.” The Victory team Arif Saif Al-Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi in their leased boat followed up Wednesday’s eventual fifth-placed finish by qualifying fourth for the second race. They showed a noticeable improvement in race two to claim the runner-up spot. Swedish rookie Niclas Johansson and Norwegian colleague Christian Zaborowski completed the line-up and started the race from fifth place and finished in a similar position. The final race of the Championship will be held in Abu Dhabi 9-13 November.

2015 Salerno Grand Prix – Race 1 result 1

Gary Ballough (USA) / John Tomlinson (USA)

6 Team Abu Dhabi

Majid Al-Mansoori (ARE) / Rashid Al-Tayer (ARE)

5 Team Abu Dhabi

Arif Saif Al-Zafeen (ARE) / Nadir bin Hendi (ARE)

3 Victory Team

Christian Zaborowski (NOR) / Niclas Johansson (SWE)

91 Zabo Racing

Giovanni Carpitella (ITA) / Miles Jennings (GBR)

10 Fendi Racing

2015 Salerno Grand Prix – Race 2 result 1

Gary Ballough (USA) / John Tomlinson (USA)

6 Team Abu Dhabi

Arif Saif Al-Zafeen (ARE) / Nadir bin Hendi (ARE)

3 Victory Team

Giovanni Carpitella (ITA) / Miles Jennings (GBR)

10 Fendi Racing

Majid Al-Mansoori (ARE) / Rashid Al-Tayer (ARE)

5 Team Abu Dhabi

Christian Zaborowski (NOR) / Niclas Johansson (SWE)

91 Zabo Racing

raceboatinternational 15

Round 3

CASCAIS Article: Karien Jonckheere Photos: Simon Palfrader, Raffaello Bastiani

3 - X Dubai Pilots: Arif Al Zaffain, Nadir Bin Heindi TM/Radioman: Ragesh Elayadeth Mechanic: Marco Carvello

16 raceboatinternational

SERIES IN THE BALANCE as XDubai take Cascais GP 14 June 2015 - just one point now separates the teams at the top of the UIM XCAT World Series Standings after an exhilarating third round

raceboatinternational 17

18 raceboatinternational

XCAT ROUND 3 CASCAIS

20 - MARINE INVESTIMENTI SUD Pilots: Serafino Barlesi, Alessandro Barone TM/Radioman: Valter Martinoglio Mechanic: Claudio Cappelli, Antonio Dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Anna raceboatinternational 19

96 - YACHTS Pilots: Francois Pinelli, Saul Bubacco, Michel Karsenti TM/Radioman: Arthur Hlusicka Mechanic: Massimiliano Paties

20 raceboatinternational

XCAT ROUND 3 CASCAIS Having won the opening round of the Series and Matteo Nicolini made the most of the gap and pounced on third spot – their secin February, the ‘Abu Dhabi Team’ (Rashed ond podium finish of the season. With that, Al Tayer and Faleh Al Mansoori) came into the Italian team have moved into third place the race as Series leaders. But a bad start and then later engine trouble saw them slip- overall in the Series. ‘XDubai’s’ Bin Hendi explained after ping out of contention, eventually finishing in fifth spot, while last year’s winners, ‘XDubai’, the race, that taking top spot in the overall standings was their main priority. “We were produced a flawless performance to take looking forward to that. We were calculating the win. a lot this afternoon and we said we wish we The ‘XDubai’ pair of Arif Al Zaffain and could become number one,” he explained. Nadir bin Hendi proved untouchable as “We had a good start. It was a bit rough they led from the start, mastering the tricky at the start – but we got control of it and conditions that saw the race committee after we got past the first buoy we concenchanging the course just an hour before, and crossed the line first. The real battle was going on behind them, however. ‘T-Bone Station ‘(Giovanni Carpitella and Marco Pennesi) continued their bad run of luck so far this season. The Italian duo were in second spot for much of the race, but a sudden loss of their Francois Pinelli - ‘Yachts’ power steering meant they had to abandon their chase as it was unsafe trated for three laps to push and get the gap to continue. and then relax a bit. The changed course Behind them the ‘Yachts’ duo of Francois Pinelli and Saul Bubacco were engaged was definitely safer, but coming out from the last buoy towards the chequered flag – that in a fierce battle with the ‘Abu Dhabi Team’ was the worst part. It was very bumpy so for third spot. It was one they eventually won, with ‘Abu Dhabi’ pushing just that little we were taking it easy because we were afraid something might break.” bit too hard and eventually succumbing to Speaking about the 1 point lead they engine trouble, so slipping down the placnow have over the ‘Abu Dhabi Team’ in the ings. The ‘Hoorsenbuhs’ team of Tomaso Polli standings, Bin Hendi added:

“

The key was not to get emotional and to keep calm... ...we came across walls of waves, even three in a row, 1.5m high...

22 - VIDEX Pilots: Alfredo Amato, Joakim Kumlin Radioman: Ciro Monti TM: Mario Di Cosmo, Alessandra Di Tuccio Mechanic: Ciro Monti, Andrea Comello

raceboatinternational 21

arneson_06_2006_ad

4/12/06

9:42 AM

Page 1

New Sales Service, Parts and Installation Assistance for all (10) models New Counter Rotating ASD8 Drive Rudder Packages Available Turbine Engine Packages Bravo-to-Arneson Conversion Kits Rolla Propeller Distributor Also available: Arneson Rocker Plates (various sizes and applications)

10 MODELS AVAILABLE:

ASD6 ....see 382 Formula application on website ASD7M ....see 30’ Skater application on website ASD8 ..................see display model on website ASD8-6 ....see 36’ Skater application on website ASD8-10........see Skater application on website ASD10......................see application on website ASD11......................see application on website ASD12......................see application on website ASD14..................see display model on website ASD15 ....................see illustration on website ASD16......................see application on website

ARNESON INDUSTRIES, LLC 47 Mill Street San Rafael, CA 94901 www.arneson-industries.com Tel: 415.485.0788 Fax: 415.485.1293

KEEPING UP WITH THE ACTION DAILY WEBSITE UPDATES QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FEATURING Formula and offshore world championships

raceboatinternational.com Read the magazine online - subscribe for a hard copy - Sell your boat Tel: +44 (0) 1202 625048

5 - ABU DHABI Pilots: Rashed Suhail Al Tayer, Faleh Khalfan Al Mansoori TM/Radioman: Jumaa Sanad Al Qubaisi Mechanic: Alexander Felix

“The Championship is still hanging out there, and so we have to go all out for the next race and see what happens.” The French ‘Yachts’ duo were, meanwhile, ecstatic after their highest ever XCAT finish of second place. Pinelli said: “It was a very nice race, tough, but we managed it very well. The key was not to get emotional and to keep calm. We had a challenge with ‘Abu Dhabi’, but we realised they were risking too much. The sea was not constant and we came across walls of waves, even three in a row, 1.5m high, but this is the ocean after all. It’s a pity that we broke the good props for rough sea yesterday. We had to use longer ones today, but in the end we are extremely satisfied.” XCAT racing now moves to another new venue – with Round 4 of the Series scheduled for Gold Coast, Australia from August 21-23. Then it’s on to a new venue for XCAT racing - Nice, France in October before the final two rounds take place in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) in November. For more information on the UIM XCAT World Series and full results, log on to www. xcatracing.com

XCAT 2015 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS - SERIES OVERALL POS

RND 1

RND 2

RND 3

TOTAL

NO. TEAM 3

XDUBAI

CREW Arif Al Zaffain / Nadir Bin Hendi

ABU DHABI TEAM

Rashed Suhail Al Tayer / Faleh Khalfan Almansoori

HOORSENBUHS

Matteo Nicolini / Tomaso Polli

DUBAI

Salem Al Adidi / Al Ali Eisa

SWECAT RACING

Erik Stark / Michael Bengtsson

MARINE INVESTMENTI SUD

Serafino Barlesi / Alessandro Barone

YACHT

Francois Pinelli / Saul Bubacco

VIDEX

Alfredo Amato / Joakim Kumlin

TEAM SARACEN AUSTRALIA

Brett Luhrmann / Antony De Fina

T - BONE STATION

Giovanni Carpitella / Marco Pennes

LADY SPAIN

Jay Price / Shaun Torrente

MOUAWAD 50

Gary Ballough / Joakim Kumlin

RAHEEB

Abdullateef Al Omani / Veronica Olderin

GLOBAL MARINE

Roberto Lo Piano / Francesco Calo

raceboatinternational 23

Article: David Sewell Photos: Vittorio Obertone, Arek Rejs

FRENCH CHEER THEIR

F1 WORLD CHAMPION ThousandS of FRENCH SUPPORTERS were looking forward to the 2nd round of the UIM World F1 championship at the beautiful venue of Evian SITUATED ON LAKE GENEVA IN eastern France, world renown for its bottled water, TO APPLAUD THEIR OWN F1 WORLD CHAMPION PHILIPPE CHIAPPE. BUT IT WAS YOUSEFF AL-RUBAYAN WHO SECURED HIS FIRST F1 VICTORY 24 raceboatinternational

WORLD F1 2015 EVIAN

The 2015 Grand Prix of France starred Philippe Chiappe, the country’s first world F1 champion so it was not surprising the pilot from Rouen had attracted a huge following. There were some hasty adjustments to this year’s Formula One itinary after the withdrawal of Qatar from the series calendar. Another Arab nation, Dubai - more famed for its offshore exploits, has stepped in to host a round of the championship in ????, whilst Shaun Torrente who scored the first win of the season in the opening round of the season in Qatar colours was invited to join Victory Team as a one man entry. Torrente’s former Qatar team partner, Italian Alex Carrella, is now number one pilot in Team Abu Dhabi along

with Italian David Del Pin under the new managership of another Italian Guido Cappellini. Cappellini took over the Abu Dhabi job from Scott Gillman who had successfuly run the team for 15 years. Gillman has now formed his own team Emirate Racing, and recruited former Abu Dhabi driver Ahmed Al Hameli who joined forces with four times F1 world champion Eric Stark from Stockholm, Sweden. Notable inclusions to the fleet were two Frenchmen, the tall Cedric Desguine entered as a one boat outfit Maverick Racing, and Christopher Larigot who took over the seat in Marit Stromoy’s EMIC’s team vacated by Erik Stark.

RACE WINNER YOUSEF AL-RUBAYAN FROM KUWAIT, HAD PREVIOUSLY CLINCHED A WORLD F2 WIN IN 2012

raceboatinternational 25

26 raceboatinternational

WORLD F1 2015 EVIAN

Above: The H2o 2 seater hospitality boat gives F1 guests a blast round the circuit. Sami Selio was in with a slender chance of of the World Championship

Philippe Chiappe started his home Grand Prix after taking pole-position. The defending World Champion won the trophy for the Fastest Lap - 0:53.84 and now lies 4th in the drivers championship. This is the frenchmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 13th season in F1, and drives a French Moore hull raceboatinternational 27

28 raceboatinternational

After a retirement in Qatar Mad Croc Sami Selio finished in Evian to claim 7 points

WORLD F1 2015 EVIAN The scene was set for a thrilling race but before Sunday’s GP drivers had to contend with conditions far from ideal as they took to the water for qualifying. The first drama of the day involved Abu Dhabi’s Del Pin when he stormed away from the dock and promptly hit and punctured a turn buoy. He limped around the circuit for one lap with the orange plastic marker stuck on his nose cone. As he past the commentary post he appeared to be sinking and when his DAC was craned from the water it become clear why. One of the large iron anchors securing the buoy had been hauled upwards when Del Pin’s boat hit the marker and it punched a large hole in the tunnel of the DAC putting an end to Del Pin’s racing that weekend. Austrian Bernd Enzenhofer lasted a bit longer before stuffing his DAC Motorglass after 6 laps of qualifying. Water conditions started to deteriorate when qualifying got underway, but Kuwaiti Yousef Al Rubayan was undeterred as he led the first qualifying session ahead of Jonas Andersson, Shaun Torrente, Sami Selio, Philippe Chiappe, Erik Stark, Jesper Forss, Ahmed Al Hameli, Alex Carella and Franceco Cantando rounded off the top ten. It was almost offshore conditions when the drivers headed out for Q2 and it appeared only a matter of time before someone would come to grief. Selio managed a quick lap, and the only other pilot to almost match the Finn’s time was American Shaun Torrente driving Victory’s BaBa while the rest of the fleet were taking it very carefully.

73 Cedric Deguisne

Frenchman, Cedric Desguine (right) entered as one boat outfit 73 Maverick Racing, and Christopher Larigot (above) took over the seat in Marit Stromoy’s EMIC’s team vacated by Erik Stark.

18 Bartek Marszalek

raceboatinternational 29

The Emirate Racing Team didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy the best of luck in their opening race in Evian. Ahmed Al Hameli was trying for a Top 6 Shoot Out place when he hit a rogue wave and his boat No. 27 violently barrel-rolled. His team mate Eric Stark in No. 28 was lying in 5th place when Francesco Cantando ran into the back of him causing a spin out and retirement

30 raceboatinternational

WORLD F1 2015 EVIAN

Left: Abu Dhabi’s David del Pin hadn’t completed half a lap before he hit a turn buoy and the buoy’s anchor shot up and punched a hole in the tunnel of his DAC Finland’s young Filip Roms was awarded 3rd place when his captain Sami Selio was docked a lap for hitting a turn buoy Shaun Torrente drove an excellent race in Victory’s Baba to come 4th and stays at the top of the points table raceboatinternational 31

Youssef Al Rubayan

32 raceboatinternational

WORLD F1 2015 EVIAN Sadly Emirates Racing’s Al Hameli, attempting to clinch a top six place, performed a spectacular aerial display, landing very heavily on the BaBa’s transom. Officials then decided it was too dangerous to complete the session and Q3 top six shoot out would take place on Sunday morning prior to the afternoon’s Grand Prix. As expected the crowds turned out in force early Sunday morning hoping to see their local hero Philippe Chiappe clinch pole position, and they weren’t disappointed as Chiappe held off the hard charging Rubayan for the top spot with Team Abu Dhabi’s Carella in 3rd place ahead of Torrente, Selio and Andersson. The tension was at fever pitch as the start lights switched off and Chiappe stormed away from the dock to lead the pack. It looked like the perfect result - a French driver leading the French GP. Regretably, the bubble burst on lap 16 of 35 when Chiappe’s flywheel snapped off and the world champion’s China CTIC Moore hull ground to a standstill. It looked like Italian Carella was handed victory on a plate as he led the pack by a country mile. Rubayan was foot down hard to reduce the gap but he could not get close. The dramatic Grand Prix of France took a turn for the worse on lap 24 of 35 when Francesco Cantando clipped the engine of Eric Stark. The Swede’s boat spun out and Cantando’s rolled, but landed the right way up. The two boats were swiftly removed from the race circuit by a Jetski tow boat and with several laps still remaining, we waited for the green flag. However, there

was no green flag to be seen, and the crowd were getting restless as lap after lap the fleet trolled round waiting for the restart signal. Eventually the pace boat pulled off the track with just two or three laps to go and the decision was made to continue the race with the yellow flag (no restart), and disappointingly the race finished at a snails pace. Torrente’s engine started spluttering as they crawled round until he realised he could not complete the full distance. As fans gathered round the podium, the line-up was very misleading as it transpired the winner Alex Carella ended up being disqualified for running an illegal engine, whilst second place Sami Selio was dropped down the score board to 7th place after

hitting a turn buoy, and was penalised a lap. Meanwhile, third place Jonas Andersson moved up to second place and young Finnish Mad Croc Filip Roms was elevated to 3rd place, his best career position yet. Like Roms, the winner Yousef Rubayan from Kuwait was denied the glory of the top step of the podium in front of a huge crowd and photographers. A most unsatisfactory ending to what was a great event. Certainly one has to question the ability of the officials responsible for this fiasco, as it’s the second time this season a race has finishes on a yellow flag, and we’ve only had two races. Are they aware there is a worldwide television audience.

2015 DRIVERS POINTS TABLE POS

Positions after Round 2

BOAT DRIVER

NAT

QATAR

FRA

TOTAL

Shaun Torrente

QAT

Youssef Al Rubayan

KUW

Jonas Andersson

SWE

Philippe Chiappe

FRA

RET

Filip Roms

FIN

Erik Stark

SWE

RET

Alex Carella

ITA

DSQ

Sami Selio

FIN

RET

Marit Stromoy

NOR

Jesper Forss

SWE

RET

Bartek Marszalek

POL

Cedrio Deguisne

FRA

Christophe Larigot

FRA

David Del Pin

ITA

DNS

Duarte Benavente

POR

RET

Ziwei Xiong

CHN

Francesco Cantando

ITA

RET

Bernd Enzenhofer

AUT

DNS

Ahmed Al Hameli

UAE

RET

3rd place Jonas Andersson from Sweden raceboatinternational 33

Photos: Ed Rangsi

SCARBOROUGH QUEEN OF YORKSHIRE COAST GREETS SUPERSTOCK

Heavy rain greeted the P1 fleet of eleven powerboats and almost forty Aquabikes on the eve of the Dale Power Solutions P1 Grand Prix of the Sea. Offshore race organisers are often accused of only running meetings on the south coast however the P1 promoter is not scared of venturing further afield with meetings in Hull and this year, Scarborough, affectionately known as the Queen of the Yorkshire Coast was chosen to open the P1 championship. The rain soon gave way to glorious sunshine as crowds gathered on the sweeping bay for the first of a packed programme of watersports. The unusually calm conditions of the North Sea saw a fleet of eleven Superstock set off on the first heat at it took the ‘fastest lap’ decider for the Flying Panther crew of Nick Williams and Martin Robinson to snatch victory in the opening round of this season’s SuperStock UK Championship after they finished the four race weekend level on points with Arran Scott’s AllaM Marine. Scott put the disappointment of last season behind him as he established an impressive new partnership with navigator Gavin Feldt when they narrowly missed out on the top spot. Nick Williams and Martin Robinson in 11 FLYING PANTHER showed the form that took them to the runner-up spot last year, and the Buckinghamshire couple look capable of going one better this season. Mechanical failures meant that it was a bitterly disappointing weekend for reigning champions James Norvill and Charlie Parsons-Young in the GD Developments boat and they will be hoping for better luck when they go to Jacksonville USA next weekend as they start the defence of their American title (they race in the UK and USA Championships) The husband and wife team of David Toozs-Hobson were delighted with third place at Scarborough as they opened their campaign in the Pickfords boat. The next round is in Gosport, Hampshire. 34 raceboatinternational

Scarborough winner Flying Panther

Close second Arran Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ALLAM MARINE

raceboatinternational 35

P1 SUPERSTOCK SCARBOROUGH

David and Kirsty Toozs-Hobson PICKFORDS

POWERBOAT P1 UK Scarborough Results POS 1

TEAM TYPHOO with John Donnely and Kevin Hunt in their 5th P1 Superstock season.

BOAT DRIVER 77

FLYING PANTHER

ALLAM MARINE

PICKFORDS RACING

PERTEMPS

VISITWALES.COM

LYCAMOBILE RACING

ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER

TYPHOO

NEW WAVE

QUANTUM RACING

GD ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

raceboatinternational 37

Lycamobile Racing take the weekend win as P1 SuperStock serves up a thrilling race spectacle under the Sarasota sun P1 SuperStock’s unique racing formula stole the headlines in Sarasota this weekend with five close-fought battles in front of huge crowds who flocked to the beach over the Independence holiday weekend Two firsts and a third place for the Lycamobile Racing team on Saturday saw the pairing of Lee Baker and Sandy Kenigsman take an early lead in the standings at the halfway mark of the Grand Prix weekend. Strong performances on Saturday from reigning champions GD Environmental keep them in the hunt together with father-and-son pairing Bill and Elijah Kingery in Team Alisyn Oil. The likeable pairing from Ohio rued an early mistake in race one when they ran wide on the south side of the course and lost their early lead over the rest of the fleet. They fought back to regain second place behind a Lycamobile boat which looked to be running very competitively all weekend. There were battles aplenty in the final race on Saturday, with no less than four boats vying for third place in what can only be described as one of the most closely fought finishes in SuperStock racing history. Southeastern Lighting Solutions eventually claimed the third spot, followed by GD Environmental, Advanced Masonry and HalloweenMegaStore.com, with less than two seconds splitting the four protagonists. Sunday’s opening race – the fourth of the weekend for the P1 SuperStock fleet – was dominated by Team Alisyn Oil who led from the opening lap to the chequered flag. Southeastern Lighting Solutions 38 raceboatinternational

finished in second place and HalloweenMegaStore.com in third, with both boats recording their best positions of the weekend. Following the race, Lycamobile Racing received a one minute time penalty for missing a mark which relegated them to 8th place. In the final race on Sunday afternoon, held in baking hot conditions, Team Lycamobile Racing put the disappointment of the earlier penalty behind them to take a commanding win – their third of the weekend – by more than 20 seconds, securing them the overall victory of the weekend. With the sweet taste of champagne still on his lips, an ecstatic Lee Baker said: “To take three wins out of five this weekend is a dream come true, and we fought so hard all weekend. Conditions on Sunday were tougher than Saturday, but we worked our way through the field and knew that we had a chance of the overall win if we finished consistently.” Festival organiser, Lucy Nicandri, said: “Expanding this historic event to include the P1 classes has really got people talking. The feedback we have received has been really positive with fans able to see so many variations of marine motorsport across the weekend. My thanks go to the entire P1 organisation for the support and professional approach in making this event a great success.” Organised for 31 years the Grand Prix has

been produced by Suncoast Charities for Children to help children and young adults with disabilities, and is a highlight on the US powerboat racing calendar. In addition to the racing, the week-long festivities include a charity dinner, drivers’ meet-and-greet session, boat parade, block party and swimsuit competition, fireworks spectacular and podium celebrations on the beach in front of a capacity crowd. P1 Chief Operating Officer, Robert Wicks, said: “P1 is delighted to have been part of this amazing event for the first time and it’s great to know that there are several charities that will benefit as a result. The feedback from spectators about our SuperStock and AquaX race classes has been terrific, and I have no doubt about the significant impact our racing has made to the overall weekend. We very much look forward to including Sarasota on our 2016 schedule, and will be working closely with Lucy and her team to ensure the continued success of the event.” GD Environmental remain top of the overall championship standings on 176 points, with Lycamobile Racing on 159 points and HalloweenMegaStore.com on 137 points. The US teams now have a three week break before the next round of the Championship in St. Cloud, Florida at the end of July.

US P1 SUPERSTOCK SARASOTA RESULTS POS

NO. TEAM

PTS

Lycamobile

Team Alisyn Oil

GD Environmental

HalloweenMegaStore.com

Boatwrench

Southeastern Lighting Solutions

Advanced Masonry

Livorsi

Visit Jacksonville

raceboatinternational 39

Swedish Domination

in UIM Class 3 World Championships Article: John Moore Photos: Jesper Zander

The town of Oskarshamn in Sweden was the host for the 2015 UIM Class 3A, 3B and 3C World Championships in July this year. It was the first time that all three classes have competed for a World Crown at the same venue and at the same date. With competing craft mainly coming from Sweden and Norway, it was a a pleasant surprise to the organising Oskarshamns Motorbat Klubb, that six teams from England and the Channel Islands made the 2,500 mile drive to compete for UIM international honours. Racing stalwart, Bob McCarthy was one that made the trip. “I’m having to race with a Belgium licence due to a few “paperwork issues with the RYA”, but my boat is painted with a Union Jack and I am looking forward to some good racing over the next few days”. 2014 3B UIM World Champion Jeremy Gibson was in a similar situation to McCarthy, “paperwork issues with the RYA”. He also arrived at Oskarshamn with a Belgium flag on his Phantom hull. A team that didn’t have “paperwork issues with the RYA”, Class 3A - Motorvated Racing, nearly elected to race under the Belgium Flag, over a long standing dispute with UK officialdom stretching back to July last year when they were disqualified for a technical infringement at the RYA National

Söderlind claims crown for Sweden

UIM Class 3A World Championship In an epic battle between young Swedes William Söderlind with co-pilot Marcus Grönvall and equally young Brits, Jack Bobin and Jamie White, the Championship went down to the wire. Söderlind had the slightly higher top speed, and Bobin’s Phantom 19G came good in the rougher sections of the course. After the three heats, Söderlind triumphed over the quietly spoken and modest Bobin, “There was nothing I could do to catch William. I have to be happy with three podium places, and a runners up in the World Championship, I look forward to racing against him again”. The equally modest John Guille had hoped to follow on from his 2014 3A World Championship win in his brand new, designed and built Phantom 19G. “It wasn’t to be eh? We rigged the boat late, got to Sweden and found we had engine problems. I’m pleased to see Jack Bobin do so well in my old boat, Mark Brownhall and I will take a leisurely drive home and draw up our plans for next year”. At the final prize giving gala, no one was prouder of Söderlind and Bobin than their fathers, who had in various ways, contributed towards their sons success and exemplary racing over three heats.

SEPA organised Southend race and stripped of their accrued season’s points. John Guille from the Channel Island of Sark, who took the UIM 3A World Title in Guernsey last September under a Belgium Flag, was pleased to be flying his local colours, although his co-driver, Southampton based Mark Brownhall, was racing with, you guessed it - a Belgium licence! Jacques and Pierre Vermeulen, the ultra nice guys from Sark’s larger neighbour in the Channel Island’s, Guernsey, could have had Belgium licences, or French for that matter, but chose to race on RYA International tickets, Kevin Edmondson had his West Ham Season Ticket in place and with his partner and co driver Annika Hawthorne, were fairly happy that most of the above didn’t involve them. The racing was compacted over a four day period, nine UIM World Championship races, two Swedish National races and all run in a scorching hot, Swedish summer.

40 raceboatinternational

Veronica is Victorious

UIM Class 3B World Championship Veronica Olderin and Kristina Coleman became the first all girl team to win a Class 3 World Championship since Tracey Clarke and Donna James’ victory in 3C back in 1989. Kristina told Raceboat International after the race, “I was just so nervous, I was concentrating on every mark, I made a navigation error in Heat One and I just didn’t want to let Veronica down. Driving for a second place, I was doing the maths and knew it would be good enough to take the title.” The 3B class is now made up of quick Twister catamarans, Veronica Olderin, using her winter experience whilst competing in the XCAT Racing Series, positively blew her male competitors away, her navigator Kristina had to find the marks first - and did. The Swedish girls accepted their UIM 3B World Titles later at prize giving, looking absolutely stunning in their dresses - World Class.

B87 - Veronica Olderin and Kristina Coleman

2015 UIM Class 3A World Championship RESULTS 1st

A68

Sweden

William Söderlind and Marcus Grönvall

Hotshot / Evinrude 115 E-tec HO

1200 points

2nd

A26

Great Britain

Jack Bobin And Jamie White

Phantom 19G / Mercury 115 ProXS

825 points

3rd

A85

Sweden

Thomas Billman and Emma Lunden

Hotshot / Evinrude 115 E-tec HO

620 points

A68 - William Söderlind and Marcus Gronvall

2015 UIM Class 3B World Championship RESULTS 1st

B87

Sweden

Veronica Olderin and Kristina Coleman

Twister / Mercury 115 ProXS

925 points

2nd

B86

Sweden

Fredrik Groth Fyrö and Hanna Thorén

Twister / Mercury 115 ProXS

869 points

3rd

B61

Sweden

Thomas Wrenkler and Annika Wrenkler

Twister / Evinrude 115 E-tec HO

566 points

A91 - Jacques and Pierre Vermeulen A26 - Jack Bobin and Jamie White

raceboatinternational 41

TORBAY CLASSIC COULD THIS BE THE END OF AN ERA?

Article and pictures by David ‘Snapper’ Ormiston A few short years ago, the Offshore Racing Drivers Association (ORDA)’s Torbay Classic staged in Torquay was one of the highlights of the season and many teams used the Devon resort to debut new boats. Sadly despite a tremendous effort from all those on the organising committee, the numbers did not stack up and only five boats turned out representing three classes. Whether ORDA have the stomach or finances to continue their ‘flagship’ event remains to be seen. With rounds 1-2 of the 3A-3B National Championship at Allhallows cancelled due to the lack of entrants the organisers of round three, The Torbay Classic, knew it was going to be an uphill struggle to put on their event. If they had known back in November of last year just how hard it was going to be they probably would ‘nt have bothered. After the 3A and 3B World Championship staged in Guernsey last September, where out of a total of 17 boats 13 came from the UK including a new World Champion in Class B, and with the introduction of this new class things were looking up. With Zapcats, OCR, Club Classes, Marathon and ski-boats added to the event the Torbay Classic would put on a show. However, as the race got closer to the end of May Bank Holiday start date, events took a turn for the worse. First of all, OCR was prohibited from racing for national points due to a technical infringement of the rules, then Zapcats were suspended from racing due to an on going problem with the authorities, the two Marathon boats dropped out a week before due to technical problems with their boats, and two teams from the Club Class who had raced in France the previous weekend were refused UK licences so were not allowed to race.

42 raceboatinternational

By race weekend the total entrants were down to 6 boats - 2 A Class, 2 V24’s, and 2 Club Class 200hp Mannerfelt’s Bat Boats which soon reduced to 1 when Graham Reeder blew his engine while practising on the Saturday. So it was agreed that the 5 remaining boats would do 7 long and 1 short lap, a total distance of 43.88 nm for Sunday’s race. The race was going to be a bit of a family affair, with Brian Peedell and navigator Neil Jackson in V13 up against Brian’s grandson Dan Priestley in V17 along with navigator Sam Brewster. In the A Class was Brian’s grand daughter and Dan’s 16 year old sister Kayleigh along with her navigator Barry Culver in A18. And in A12 YKNOT was Kevin Edmondson and Annika Hawthorne. This was the first race in their new boat which was last year’s B Class World Champion boat which had been re engined for Class A. In the sole remaining Club Class 2 were Niall Bougourd and Ivan Lancaster who had made the long journey over from Guernsey to compete in the race in Arotech Racing. Weather for race day was overcast, but sea conditions were reasonably calm, so it was going to be 7 laps covering just over 5nm and 1 short of just 3 nm. As the conditions were deemed to be acceptable all 5 boats were going to do the full course of 43.88 nm.

It was always going to be a straight fight between the two V24s of Brian Peedell V13 Circle Express and grandson Dan Priestly in V17 the Sick Children’s Trust. After a couple of laps it was Dan who pulled away from Brian and held the position to the end of the race, winning by a couple of minutes with an average speed of 65.89 mph. Brian’s average was 63.00 mph. The contest between the two A Class boats ended in a win for Kevin Edmondson and navigator Annika Hawthorne in A12 YKNOT with an average speed of 49-59 mph. 16 year old Kayleigh Priestly and her navigator Barry Culver in A18 Sick Children’s Trust followed behind with an average speed of 47 mph. The sole survivor in the Club Class 2, Neil and Ivan in Boat 2-2 Arctech Racing, unfortunately had some issue with navigation and only completed 6 laps. It was a great effort from the Guernsey crew for coming to Torquay to support the race, and from Steve Bird and the Southwest Regional Ski Racers for putting on a great show before the main race. The Race organizers, the Offshore Racing Drivers Association, will decide in the coming weeks if they will continue to put on events in the future. As it is getting very difficult to get enough competitors to commit.

Five boats racing in the Torbay Classic this year - two V boats: The Sick Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust and Circle Express; two A Class boats: YKNOT (with Kevin Edmondson above, and A18 Sick Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust, and in Club Class 2 one boat - Arotech Racing.

raceboatinternational 43

GUERNSEY RACING STANLEY GIBBONS INVESTMENT GUERNSEY POWERBOAT RACE SERIES

Article: Colin Clarke Photos: Andrew Le Poidevin & Martin Gray

Heats 1 & 2 of the Stanley Gibbons Investment sponsored 2015 Race series certainly proved to be a baptism of fire for some members of the Guernsey Powerboat Association as racing got under way in some challenging seas conditions.

RACE ONE

The first race of the traditional two race weekend saw a creditable fifteen race boats cross the start line in confused seas whipped up by a force 4 wind against a strong tide around the formidable North Beach course running from the middle of the Little Russell, into and along Belgrave Bay before skirting close along the entire length of the East Arm of the QE2 marina. As is normal on this particular course, the East arm wall was once again lined with spectators who had turned out in large numbers to witness the continued resurrection of competitive Powerboat Racing in Guernsey waters. From the off the two V24 enclosed cockpit Bat Boats, ‘Diablo Racing’ and ‘It Wasn’t Us’, stormed into an early lead hotly pursued by the two large U class catamarans, ‘Flash Back’ and ‘Codycat’. Unfortunately, ‘Flash Back’s’ weekend was short lived with less than half a lap completed when it retired

44 raceboatinternational

with a blown power head on one of its two engines. Hot on the heels of these hot rods were the former 3C class, newly identified this term with a ‘2’ prefix, and it was boat 2-4 ‘Prime Suspect’ driven by Frank Le Tissier who drove an impeccable race, streaming away from its class competitors and remained there throughout. 2-4 was pursued by boat 2-2, the Stanley Gibbons sponsored ‘Arctech Racing’ of Niall Bougourd, 2-211 ‘R.G.Racing’, and newcomer to the sport, Harbourmaster Capt. Chad Murray driving the old ‘Artech’ racing backdraft. Mixing it with some of the slower 200hp boats were the impressive 3A & B 115hp powered boats that were seen fighting for the World Championships here last September. Once again the pace setter in this class was Ollie Duquemin driving A-93, ‘Resolution Offshore’ who had led the World Championships after two of the three races. On this occasion. ‘Resolution

Offshore’ cemented its lead early on and held that position throughout followed by Jacques Vermuelen in A-91 ‘In the Red’ and B-92 ‘Bad Influence’ driven by Gareth Keast with female navigator Sue Cosgrave sat in the back. As Heat 1 progressed, the outer leg of the Little Russell was becoming more and more confused with a large breaking swell which firstly saw A-93 ‘Resolution Offshore’ climb vertically into the sky, then A-59 ‘Top Secret’ driven by Tom Sauvarin snatched violently from one side to the other causing damage to the top deck and injuring navigator Scott Hicks in the process. That was to be the end of ‘Top Secret’s’ weekend. Just when everyone thought the worst was over, a further incident was to occur at the outer Little Russell turn mark involving a brand new boat, 2-4 ‘Nosfera2’ crewed by experienced racers, Father and son combination, Muir and Ollie Ashworth, who up to that point had put in a great performance in their new 2015 raceboat.

This year’s boat arrived at Castle Emplacement in impeccable condition, as with all their previous boats, where attention to detail is second to none. With a stroke of bad luck it would appear the underside began to delaminate causing water to enter at such speed that the boat became submerged within minutes with only the bow visible above water. Both crew members were quickly rescued uninjured but wet, by Safety Officer Steve Lowe’s impressive safety team made up of paramedics, divers and guard boats. At the front of the pack the two V24 Batboats and ‘Codycat’ were lapping the fleet with ease, but in a final twist ‘Diablo Racing’, driven by Dave Corbet, suffered an hydraulic steering problem, allowing Martyn Roberts in ‘It Wasn’t Us’ to take top honours ahead of Birthday boy Carl Wallbridge driving the ageing, but powerful ‘Codycat’.

RACE TWO

Heat 2 on the Sunday evening held over the same course as Saturday, saw three boats less cross the start line. The whole feeling surrounding this second race of the ten race series appeared upbeat amongst racers, officials and spectators, and the weather and sea conditions were definitely going to be kinder. As the traditional parade lap began, it appeared the word must have got around as a result of the previous evening’s frolics, and the entire length of the East arm wall was packed solid with spectators. In some areas it was three deep with over 1,000 people eagerly awaiting a promising battle at the front of the pack between the two noisy V8 powered Bat Boats and ‘Codycat’ who had driven a sensible race the previous evening. Given lighter winds, calmer seas, and the fact that ‘Codycat’ had hit 98mph earlier in the week during practice, the neutrals had come to witness the stranglehold normally held by the V boats being wrestled from their grasp by the Wallbridge boys, and they weren’t to be disappointed. From the off the repaired ‘Diablo Racing’, driven this time out by Kerry Le Patourel who had swapped seats with Dave Corbet to navigate this round, and ‘It Wasn’t Us’ set

Above: 2-2, the Stanley Gibbons sponsored ‘Arctech Racing’ of Niall Bougourd Left: B-92 ‘Bad Influence’ driven by Gareth Keast with female navigator Sue Cosgrave behind ‘Codycat’ with Carl Wallbridge and Lloyd Wallbridge in U/V Class Below: Jacques Vermuelen in A-91 ‘In the Red’ - second in both heats in A/B Class

the early pace with ‘Codycat’ lurking behind predatory fashion. In the two following classes it was business as usual, but with greater speeds than the previous day. Once again Frank Le Tissier in boat 2-4 ‘Prime Suspect’ and Ollie Duquemin in A-93 ‘Resolution Offshore’ led their respective classes from start to finish, rounding off a satisfying weekend’s work. Towards the back of the fleet, Jeff Fox, making a return to powerboating after a number of years away from the sport, unfortunately suffered a seized engine on his 21 foot Ring ‘Fools & Horses’ causing him to retire. His race, like the rest of the retirees, begins now to source an alternative engine so as to be ready for the next event.

raceboatinternational 45

THE BRAND THAT BUILDS MANUFACTURER OF HAND TOOLS, POWER TOOLS, FIXINGS, HARDWARE AND MORE

GPA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS Heat 1 A / B Class 1st

A93

Resolution Offshore

Olly Duquemin/Clint Roberts

2nd

A-91

In the Red

Jacques Vermuelien/Pierre Vermuelen

3rd

B-92

Bad Influence

Gareth Keast/Suzanne Cosgrave

1st

2-4

Prime Suspect

Frank Le Tissier/Ben Sargent

2nd

2-2

Artech Racing

Ivan Lancaster/Niall Bougourd

3rd

2-211

R.G.Falla

Darren Leadbeater/Lee Gorvel

1st

V-3

It wasn’t us

Martyn Roberts/Tim Abbott

2nd

U-202

Codycat

Carl Wallbridge/ Lloyd Wallbridge

2- Class:

U/V Class:

Heat 2 A / B Class: 1st

A93

Resolution Offshore

Olly Duquemin/Clint Roberts

2nd

A-91

In the Red

Jacques Vermuelen/Pierre Vermuelen

3rd

B-92

Bad Influence

Gareth Keast/Suzanne Cosgrave

1st

2-4

Prime Suspect

Frank Le Tissier/Ben Sargent

2nd

2-2

Artech Racing

Ivan Lancaster/Niall Bougourd

3rd

2=211

R.G.Falla

Darren Leadbeater/Lee Gorvel

1st

V-8

Diablo Racing

Kerry Le Patourel/Dave Corbet

2nd

V-3

It wasn’t us

Martyn Roberts/Tim Abbott

3rd

U-202

Codycat

Carl Wallbridge/ Lloyd Wallbridge

2- Class:

U/V Class:

Top: 2-4 ‘Prime Suspect Frank Le Tissier and Ben Sarent Above: V3 ‘It wasn’t us’ Martyn Roberts and Tim Abbott

The excitement however, was intensifying at the head of the pack by half way stage as ‘Codycat’ patiently set about the task of picking off the two V24 Bat Boats ahead. First it was to be ‘It Wasn’t Us’ that fell to ‘Codycat’s’ superiority, and as the laps ticked away the gap between the green ‘Diablo Racing’ and ‘Codycat’ began to fall until a change of leadership finally came on the penultimate lap right in front of the watching crowds. Unfortunately, soon after, ‘Codycat’ was forced to pull off the race course due to a miscalculation of fuel, leaving ‘Diablo Racing’ to complete the final lap and take the chequered flag unchallenged. Although not placing in either heat, congratulations must go to the only female driver racing this first event, Hollie Woodhouse in her 200hp powered Phantom ‘Me Too’. Embarking on only her second season of racing. Hollie drove sensibily over the two races in changeable conditions, and this can only reinforce her future confidence in the sport. raceboatinternational 47

Diablo Racing Conquers All GUERNSEY RYA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

It was always billed as a clash of the Titans and they certainly delivered! With four V24 class boats competing for British National points, two from the UK and two from Guernsey, these fully enclosed Ocke Mannerfelt V8 powered V24 one design boats tore up the course with relative ease on both race days in front of the large crowds who had gathered along the Havelet Bay wall.

Article: Colin Clarke Photos: Andrew Le Poidevin Martin Gray

48 raceboatinternational

RACE ONE

Guernsey’s own bright green V8 ‘Diablo Racing’ (Dave Corbet and Kerry Le Patourel) took maximum National points from the weekend ahead of UK competitor ‘The Sick Children’s Trust’ (Dan Priestley and Sam Brewster). With over a two mile start shoot for the first race, the four V24’s which also included ‘It Wasn’t Us’ (Martyn Robert

and Tim Abbott) and ‘Circle Express’ (Brian Peedell and Neil Jackson) left the 3A National fleet in its wake in choppy conditions in the Little Russell as they fought for the lead whilst heading for the first turn mark off St. Martins Point. As they turned east towards Lowerheads, it was ‘The Sick Childrens Trust’ who edged it, but then took the wrong direction towards Jethou whilst the other

three remained on course. Soon realising their error, they corrected themselves by which time, ‘Diablo Racing’ had surged into a lead which they continued to maintain throughout even whilst encountering steering problems due to losing most of their hydraulic oil. Further behind in National 3A, UK competitor Jack Bobin driving the ex John Guille 2014 World 3A Championship winning boat, newly named ‘Motorvated Racing’, span out shortly after the start injuring his

nika Hawthorne) each swapping the lead throughout, but in the end it was the local Vermeulen boys who took the honours, setting them up for the World Championships in Sweden the following month. Club Class 2, made up of boats with engines up to 200hp, provided a surprise at the beginning when the 21’ Phantom, ‘R.G. Racing’ (Darren Leadbeater and Lee Gorvel) took the first turn mark in the lead ahead of the two B23 Bat Boats, ‘Prime Suspect’ (Frank Le Tissier and Ben Sargent), and

co driver Jamie White. Guernsey’s great white hope, Ollie Duquemin and Clint Roberts in ‘Resolution Offshore’ retired almost at the same time after selecting the wrong gearbox ratio. At the front of their pack, a battle royale quickly developed between ‘In the Red’ (Jacques and Pierre Vermeulen) and last year’s 3B World Championship winning boat YKNOT! (Kevin Edmonston and An-

‘Artech Racing’ (Ivan Lancaster and Niall Bougourd), but surprisingly as the outer legs of the course flattened out, it was ‘Artech Racing’ who accelerated away from the pack only to dip a wing and almost throw the crew from the boat as it twisted from side to side ripping co driver Bougourd’s visor from his helmet and causing them to stop. In an attempt to gain points, they sat near the finish line until the lead boat in their class, ‘Prime Suspect’, had finished and then crossed the finish line themselves only to be later disqualified. This same class also saw two lady drivers taking part, Hollie Woodhouse driving her 21’ Phantom, ‘Me Too’ and Katie

Sauvarin driving her 20’ Ring, ‘Just Peachy’. This was to be Katie’s first ever race, co driven by her veteran racer Father Mark, and she didn’t let the Sauvarin family down. She unfortunately, came up against Woodhouse who is gaining in confidence with each race, although it was to be the latter’s best performances yet in her short career. Whilst Katie Sauvarin was doing battle in Club Class 2, her brother Tom with co driver Pierre Petit, were driving the 115hp powered ‘Top Secret’ to its first win in Club

V8 Diablo Racing 2-211 RG Racing

Class 3 after initial class leader ‘Bad Influence’ (Gareth Keast and Sue Cosgrave) took a wrong turn. They were unable to rectify their mistake and settled for second place. Placing a creditable third in this class, and amazingly after the choppy start to the race, was UK entrant Andy Hiscox with local racer Sean Homer in a brand new 16’ Marshan, ‘Team Hyperactive’. raceboatinternational 49

50 raceboatinternational

GUERNSEY POWERBOAT RACE SERIES 2015

RACE TWO

Above: B92 ‘Bad Influence Gareth Keast and Sue Cosgrave

Left: ‘Circle Express’ driven by Priestley’s Grandfather, Brian Peedell.

Left: UK competitor Jack Bobin driving A26 ‘Motorvated Racing’, the ex John Guille 2014 World 3A Championship winning boat which still has all the credentials to secure future championships.

Wasn’t Us’ of Martyn Robert and Tim Abbott, was to retire with mechanical problems With the same 18 boats starting as the thus allowing Peedell to take the last podium previous day, the second day’s racing saw honours in ‘Circle Express’. beautiful sunshine and calmer seas, bringing With ‘Resolution IT’ now fitted with the even bigger crowds to Havelet Bay, and it correct gearbox, Ollie Duquemin and Clint wasn’t long before the unmistakable roar of Roberts in Class 3A continued where they those V8 Volvos could be heard approachleft off after the previous North Beach event, ing Castle Cornet. and dominated from start to finish, begging As the noise began to reverberate off the question - should they also be accomthe granite walls that outline the bay, it was panying the Vermeulen’s at the Worlds next a Guernsey’s fully repaired ‘Diablo Racing’ month? which again led the way around the inner Behind Duquemin, a cat and mouse turn buoys closely followed by Dan Priestgame was ensuing between the two ley’s ‘The Sick Children’s Trust’, ‘It Wasn’t evenly matched ‘In the Red’ and UK entrant Us’ and ‘Circle Express’ driven by Priestley’s ‘YKNOT!’ with the Vermeulens once again Grandfather, Brian Peedell. The only changoutpacing their counterparts. es to occur from then on were for Dave In Club Class 2, it was unfortunately Corbet stretching ‘Diablo Racing’’s lead at Frank Le Tissier’s B23 Bat Boat ‘Prime the front to round off a satisfying weekend’s Suspect’s’ turn to suffer mechanical gremwork, whilst the second Guernsey V24, ‘It lins after establishing a lengthy lead over the Stanley Gibbons InvestRACE RESULTS Day 1: ment - ‘Arctech Racing’. Having National - V24 benefitted from ‘Prime Suspects’ 1st V8 Diablo Racing Dave Corbet / Kerry Le Patourel bad luck, the orange B23 Bat 2nd V17 The Sick Children’s Trust Dan Priestley / Sam Brewster Boat made no mistakes this time 3rd V3 It Wasn’t Us Martyn Robert / Tim Abbott to lead the remainder of the race National Class 3A and give Lancaster and Bougourd 1st A91 In the Red Jacques and Pierre Vermeulen their first win in local waters. ‘R.G. Racing’ once again 2nd A12 YKNOT! Kevin Edmonston / Annika Hawthorne placed second in class gaining 3rd A18 The Sick children’s Trust Kayleigh Priestley / Barry Culver valuable handicap points which Club Class 2 could prove vital by the end of the 1st 2-4 Prime Suspect Frank Le Tissier / Ben Sargent season. 2nd 2-211 R.G.Racing Darren Leadbeater / Lee Gorvel Having failed to finish on day 3rd 2-121 Me Too Hollie Woodhouse / Bill Gladstone one, veteran UK racer Kerry Club Class 3 Bobin took third place in ‘Motor1st A59 Top Secret Tom Sauvarin / Pierre Petit vator’, co driven by Guernsey’s 2nd B92 Bad Influence Gareth Keast / Sue Cosgrave 2014 3B national speed record 3rd Team Hyperactive Andy Hiscox / Sean Homer holder Paul Etasse. Bobin’s RACE RESULTS Day 2: son Jack restored family pride National - V24 by driving a safe honest race 1st V8 Diablo Racing Dave Corbet / Kerry Le Patourel after the previous day’s mishap 2nd V17 The Sick Children’s Trust Dan Priestley / Sam Brewster in A26 ‘Motorvated’, showing 3rd V13 Circle Express Brian Peedell / Neil Jackson the watching crowds what they National Class 3A already knew, that his ex 2014 3A 1st A93 Resolution IT Ollie Duquemin and Clint Roberts championship winning boat still 2nd A91 In the Red Jacques and Pierre Vermeulen has all the credentials to secure 3rd A12 YKNOT! Kevin Edmonston / Annika Hawthorne future championships. This was Club Class 2 Bobin’s first competitive outing 1st 2-2 Artech Racing Ivan Lancaster / Niall Bougourd with this boat and on this form 2nd 2-211 R.G.Racing Darren Leadbeater / Lee Gorvel he will no doubt become a force 3rd Motorvator Kerry Bobin / Paul Etasse to be reckoned with. Guernsey Club Class 3 boats ‘Bad Influence’ and ‘Top 1st A26 Motorvated Jack Bobin / Jamie White Secret’ were no match for young 2nd B92 Bad Influence Gareth Keast / Sue Cosgrave Jack and had to settle for 2nd and 3rd respectively. 3rd A59 Top Secret Tom Sauvarin / Pierre Petit raceboatinternational 51

LA PORTE, INDIANA

Friday, June 20, 2014 Article: Steve Michael Photo(s) by :www.paulkemielphotographics.com.

SEEBOLD HOLDS OFF RINKER FOR WIN IN LA PORTE Five-time U.S. F1 Series Champion Tim Seebold in his NGK Spark Plugs sponsored Seebold boat led from start to finish, but not without drama as the Osage Beach, Missouri driver came home the winner after 30 laps at the 3rd Annual Maple City Grand Prix in LaPorte, Indiana in front of thousands of race fans on a cool and wet Sunday afternoon. The one-mile (1.6 kilometer) six pin circuit saw constant pressure when two-time race winner Terry Rinker of the Amsoil Racing sponsored organization pushed 51 year-old Tim Seebold to the limit as the two rivals carved their way through the biggest racing F1 field in years as 22 drivers were on hand for the opening round of the 2015 U.S. F1 Championship tour. Seebold earned pole position by out dueling the four time defending series champion in three pre-main race 10 lap heats that would determine the starting grid. The start, for the first time in the history of LaPorte, was a two-by-two ‘rolling start’ with the pace boat setting the fast pace, and it was Seebold getting the jump right from the start and into an immediate two second lead. From there he and Terry fought to the bitter end weaving through heavy traffic on the six-pin circuit on Stone Lake lapping all but the final top-five drivers. Third place finisher, Chris Fairchild in his Mercury Racing DAC hull from Italy, was third, a half a lap behind and excited to earn his 27th career podium in the process. For the winner, Tim was truly satisfied getting a little ‘pay back’ from a year ago when he lost the race on the final turn because of a broken propeller blade and handing the win to Rinker on that occasion. 52 raceboatinternational

“We had the set-up we were hoping for to suit this circuit and it truly paid off in the end,” said the first time winner in LaPorte. “I want to credit everyone in the crew who wanted to win as much as I did since we worked long hours until we got it right and we did just that in the end. I’m truly over the moon at the result.” Meanwhile, for the second place driver, Rinker, he was satisfied with a second place finish, “Well, we can’t win every event and we’ll settle for second this time. We will make sure we turn the tide in Bay City. It is less than a month away and now we have to play catch-up in the title even though the season just started. We’ll be ready in Michigan.” Taking fourth was Terry’s son Rob Rinker who put in a solid run in only his fourth career start finishing just ahead of Tennessee driver Jeff Shepherd who rounded out the top-five with the Shepherd Construction Pugh boat in a solid performance of his own. Canadian Mark Major took sixth in the Jenkinson Racing Moore built boat made in France as he introduced the new craft to its first race in North America. Like any new partner, it was a period of getting used to the new environment, and the driver from Newmarket, Ontario has to feel pleased at the end of the day after a physical race in

Defending champion Terry Rinker in his Aero Lee hull passes Mark Major to a 2nd place finish

numerous mid-pack battles. Rookie Brent Dillard in the Dillard Financial Solutions’ new DAC boat from Italy, ended being the highest placing rookie taking seventh place. Just behind was a very disappointed Miami, Florida driver in Jose Mendana Jr. in the Mendana Enterprises race boat having started strong in third place and slowly losing place after place because of mechanical issues ruining a promising and possible second straight podium finish for the 29 year-old driver. Brother Carlos Mendana started seventh and came home ninth while veteran Lynn Simburger rounded out the top-10 in his Evolution hull. So, Tim Seebold, the winningest driver in the history of the tour now leads the championship as the second round heads off to Bay City, Michigan and the Bay City River Roar on the 26th thru-28th of June on the Saginaw River. Both Tim Seebold and Terry Rinker have won this event more than once while Chris Fairchild is always a factor and is ripe for a win for the first time in over 27 starts. It will be a pivotal early race to the season and one all drivers will want to take home a place for the top spot on the podium - a result on their resume for a career.

F1 race start

Formula One podium. (L-R) Chris Fairchild 3rd place, Tim Seebold 1st place, Terry Rinker 2nd place. Left: Brent Dillard with a 7th place finish in his first F1 race in his Italian-built DAC hull Below left: F1 rookie Robert Rinker drove to a well earned fourth place finish Below: Canadian Mark Major debuts his French-built Moore hull and drives to a Â 6th plac finish

Right: Jeff Shepherd in his Pugh hull finished in fifth place

raceboatinternational 53

TOUGH RACING FOR KING OF THE SURF IN WATERGATE Round 3 and 4 2015 RYA P750 ThunderCat British Championship Article: John Moore Photos: Tim Tapping

ThunderCat Racing moved on to Watergate Bay, Cornwall for the the first of this year’s “surf events”.

51 Racing - Simon Harding and Kurt Croft

Round 3

An ever increasing entry into the series included a good few rookie teams who found the going tough and even the most experienced of competitors made a few errors in the four foot surf. South African Sean Fisher, the 2013 ThunderCat World Champion, was making his début appearance for Team Bobkat – Moku Racing, returning with no loss of form, only the ejection of his codriver in heat 3 robbed him of a 100% win rate going into the final. James Tapp in Microlink / Ahmad Tea also went into the final with 3 heat wins, after Fisher relegated him to runner-up in the 54 raceboatinternational

final heat of the day. Team 33 were missing their 2014 British Champion driver Bligh Julius, and Jack Weller was drafted in to race with Charlie Hatfield who impressed with a very consistent 4 second places in the heats. Hoonigan / Ahmad Tea had already showed how quick they could be in the previous rounds at Boscombe and continued to improve into the final. Due to late running of the heats, it was decided to run the much anticipated final on the Sunday morning which, with the tide much closer to the spectators, looked like a master stroke.

Top: Hoonigan/Ahmad Tea - Rob Davies and Darren Phillips Above: Moku Racing - Sean Fisher and Grant Pittard Left: Multispark Racing Products - Jack Weller replaced Bligh Julius to race with Charlie Hatfield Photos: Tim Tapping The Round Three final was an absolute cracker, with Sean Fisher leading Microlink / Amad Tea home, although it wasn’t enough to stop James Tapp taking the round overall, due to Fisher’s zero point score in heat 3. The new crew combination in Team 33 completed the podium line up, and were very pleased indeed with their third place.

Round 4 Straight after the Round 3 final the competitors got straight down to fighting for Round 4 honours. After some tough racing from the previous day, a few crew changes had to made with certain injuries preventing some from racing. The most notable change was that Demelza Johns was now the co-driver for the current World

Champion Sean Fisher, and she was to enjoy her first heat wins in ThunderCat Racing with the Surf Master. The other story of the day was a meteoric rise in form of Simon Harding’s Team 51. With weather conditions still extremely tricky, the final was cancelled and the decision was made to award the overall Round 4 positions from the heat results. Team 51’s Ocean Racing prepared engine powered it through to the overall win, Demelza Johns was to claim her first ever ThunderCat Racing podium with second place in Team Bobkat – Moku Racing, while James Tapp kept his championship challenge on course with a third. The racers now had a few weeks for the bruises to heel and the bumps to go down before they returned to Cornwall for Rounds 5 and 6 at Fistral Beach on the 30th to 31st of May. raceboatinternational 55

SURF’S UP AT FISTRAL BEACH

Rounds 5 and 6 in RYA P759 British Championship

James Tapp, ‘The Surf Master’, driving Microlink / Ahmad Tea put together another master class in racing both, on and off the surf, winning both of the rounds held at Fistral Beach ON 30-31 May

Round 5

Bligh Julius racing in Team 33 – Multispark Racing Products, was expected to be Tapp’s main challenger, but was forced to pull out of the weekend’s racing when his co-driver Dan Lewin was injured during the second heat on Saturday. Julius the 2014 ThunderCat British Champion said afterwards: “I could have continued racing with another co-driver, but I like to race with someone I know. It’s looking like my focus will now have to be on the international event later this year in Malta.” Julius however, didn’t come away from the weekend empty 56 raceboatinternational

handed, setting the record for the highest leap into the air for a ThunderCat this year. The final, which was red flagged after the Racing Angels, Demelza Johns and Tracy Robinson, suffered a spectacular blow over in the surf, with the driver Demelza, ejected some 20 feet away from her Bobkat hull. Both brave ladies received minor injuries, only engine damage was to stop them from racing the next day. The final was restarted and for the first couple of laps James Tapp tentatively followed Rob Davies’ Hoonagan / Ahmad Tea around the M – Shape course until getting past with a clever move where the surf was at its worse.

Round 6

After starting with 19 entrants at the start of the weekend, the final of round 6 was contested by just eight boats, as the weather took its toll on even the most experienced of racers. The final, in which James Tapp took the win, had just five boats left to battle through the boiling waters. David Finlayson who skilfully drove Haggis Hunters to fifth overall said before his long drive back to Edinburgh: “I was so proud of my daughter Ashleigh, the lass held on tight and was so brave. We are going to remember this weekend for a long time”. It was quite simply an outstanding weekend of ThunderCat Racing. The competitors headed to Southsea, Portsmouth for rounds 7 and 8 (27-28 June) no doubt praying for some slightly calmer water! Haggis Hunters - David and Ashleigh Finlayson

Photos: Tim Tapping

raceboatinternational 57

SHARED SPOILS IN SOUTHSEA Rounds 7 and 8 in RYA P759 British Championship MAXIMUM POINTS EACH FOR James tapp and bligh julius

Round 7

James Tapp with co-driver Ed Redman, continued their total dominance of the 2015 ThunderCat season with another win at Southsea, Portsmouth driving Microlink / Ahmad Tea. Tapp and Redman have won all but one of the heats they contested, being beaten by the ThunderCat World Champion, Sean Fisher in heat 4. Bligh Julius was forced to swap hulls after he noticed transom damage on his 2015 Aquarius hull, hours before the start of the

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Team 33â&#x20AC;&#x2122;- Bligh Julius and Charlie Hatfield 58 raceboatinternational

first race. His father Glenn managed to deliver the Team 33 2014 Championship winning hull in time to rig, scruitineer and then win 5 heats, before Julius and co-driver Arron Joyce succumbed to mechanical problems in the final, which robbed them of the chance to battle Tapp on equal terms, and they had to settle for a third place. Hoonigan / Ahmad Tea (Rob Davies and Darren Phillips) were consistent throughout the day and their steady performances paid off, giving them a second place overall.

Drivers Points Table after 4 rounds

‘Broad Bean’ Tom William-Hawkes and Dom Langdon

James Tapp

136

Rob Davies

Marc Newton

Bligh Julius

Simon Harding

Steven Pidsley

David Finlayson

Sean Fisher

Simon Matthews

Tom William-Hawkes

Darryn Harrison

Andy Cousins

Rob Web

Connor Blackman

Gary Tolman

Jack Weller

Demelza Johns

Oliver Field

Stuart Croxford

Phil Hillier

Jason Peacock

Dan Smith

Mark Lloyd

Andrew Bennett

Matt Littlechild

Lynsay Crellin

Andrew Edwards

Ben Backhouse

Paddy Cunningham

Andy White

Dave Sheldon

Round 8

With his old boat and trusty co-driver Charlie Hatfield, Bligh Julius driving Team 33 – Multispark Racing Products won Round 8 of the 2015 RYA P750 British Championship at Southsea, Portsmouth. 2015 Championship leader James Tapp crashed out in the final, only for Julius to scorch round after the re start. ThunderCat World Champion, Sean Fisher is also regaining top form, driving Team BobKat – Moku Racing with Damion Bowen. He took a deserved second place overall in a hull built in his home country – South Africa. It was a good day for another UIM World Champion. Tom WilliamsHawkes is the current UIM Class 3A World Champion co-driver and together with Dom Langdon in Broad Bean, he took his first ever ThunderCat podium.

Chef Tom cooks up his first ThunderCat podium – The quietly spoken chef who trained under Gordon Ramsey said afterwards, “I have been testing back in Topsham, improving speed and today is a great pay off”.

raceboatinternational 59

MULLAN CLAIMS BACK-TO-BACK WINS IN TESTING CABARITA DOUBLE-HEADER 2015 Australian V8 Superboat Championships Tweed Coast Jetsprint Club, Cabarita Beach, NSW 23-24 May, 2015 Article: Sean Henshelwood Photos: Russel Puckeridge (Pureart Creative Images)

Billed as one of the strongest fields outside of a World Championship, the second event on the 2015 Australian V8 Superboats calendar more than delivered across the two days of competition with a mix of impressive speed and dramatic off course excursions to keep the strong local crowd entertained. Ultimately the unofficial ‘Australia vs New Zealand’ event was settled strongly in favour of the ‘home’ team, although not without some stunning performances by Kiwis Rob Coley and dual-Australian Unlimited Superboat champion Daryl Hutton. In the 60 raceboatinternational

Phonsy Mullan wins round 2 at Cabarita in RAMJET end though, despite recovering from injury, no-one could stop reigning Australian champion Phonsy Mullan, the two-time Unlimited Superboat Champion, delivering two flawless performances in his twin-turbo 445ci powered ‘RAMJET’ to continue his 2015 season undefeated. Whilst the Unlimited Superboat field delivered one of the strongest collections of drivers in recent history, the 400-Class too was no less impressive with mere hundredths of a second separating the leading boats. Old foes Mark Garlick and Brooke Lucas took a win apiece, although on both occasions they were kept honest by Adelaide’s Damian O’Leary whose consistency has given him

the series points lead, to keep the title fight well and truly alive. For Saturday’s opening round the big talking point in the pits was the circuit rotation, with multiple boats out of the water, and less than half the field recording a time two qualifying heats in, after failing to perfect their navigation. Some called for a change of course, however AFJSA President Ted Sygidus - himself struggling to come to grips with the tricky course direction - reminded everyone that they were all literally in the same boat. The Victorian was one of few who did have the rotation correct, but the former Unlimited Superboat champion was battling his own woes. “We have a new jet unit for this weekend, something we’re developing, and whilst it was incredible on open water, the only way to test a superboat jet - or for that matter anything to do with a superboat - is on a superboat course, so we’re learning on the fly at present, because the boat is handling a lot differently to the way we had it performing in the past. It’s no bad thing, we just need to tune quickly because the qualifiers and the finals come at you pretty quickly.” Early in qualifying on day one, the battle looked very much like it would go to the Kiwis, with race-winning New Zealander Rob Coley topping the time sheets ahead of former Australian champion Daryl Hutton. By finals time though they were joined by Australia’s best led by Mullan, Brooke Avenell, Ted Sygidus and Tremayne Jukes, the former 400-Class front-runner campaigning a 410-cubic-inch Sprintcar powerplant similar to Avenell.

With his rivals watching Coley was first to venture out, although the New Zealander didn’t even make half a lap, beaching his 705 cubicinch big block powered ‘Poison Ivy’ after losing visibility driving into the sun. Sadly former 400-Class Champion Brooke Avenell was next to retire, the team unable to make the ramp after discovering a mechanical issue. That forced some rapid repairs overnight with parts flown in from Melbourne to ensure she’d make the field for round three. Ted Sygidus put in one of his biggest efforts of the weekend in the Top 6 to set up a run for the podium, before first Jukes, then Hutton and ultimately Mullan dropped him off the podium. In the 400-Class long-time rivals Mark Garlick and Brooke Lucas battled Damian O’Leary through the qualifiers and into the finals, before Garlick suffered a rare off and rollover in the Top 6, eliminating the opening round winner from contention. “That run just wasn’t comfortable, I was unsettled and the boat was unsettled, and as a result, it all came unstuck, fortunately with nothing worse than a couple of scratches,” Garlick explained. That elevated the impressive Paul Kelly to the podium, with Lucas pulling out all stops to take his maiden victory at Cabarita after 16 years trying. “I’ve won everywhere else, but never cracked it here,” he admitted with a broad smile. “Today everything just worked out, but I didn’t get ahead of myself, I just focused on every round as it came, but I knew where I could find time if I needed to, and put it all together for the final. I’m rapt!” Despite a record field of 16 Unlimited Superboat entries, and a typically strong field of 400 Class boats, only two 350-Class boats entered for Cabarita, led by former champion Jake Garlick in Col Bellert’s ‘Evil As’, whilst Ben Hathaway joined the field in ‘Weapon’, the Victorian taking first blood in round one after Garlick made a navigational error in the final of round two. He made amends in round two with a comfortable victory when Hathaway was forced to borrow a spare boat after suffering a mechanical issue at the end of day one. In front of a strong local crowd and the cameras of an Austrian production crew filming for energy drink giant Red Bull, the action started fresh for day two with another full field of entries despite the large number of boats involved in incidents on day one. Of the recoveries, the best was West Australian Jamie Welch who immediately jumped to the top of the Unlimited timesheets in Q1, the Natwel Racing driver keeping the form going through to the finals. “We’ve had the speed all year, but we just haven’t put it all together, so it’s nice to be at the top, we just need to keep it there,” he admitted ahead of the finals.

Top: Paul Gaston Frankinstein Jnr

Above: New Zealander Rob Coley in ‘Poison Ivy’ Left: 400 Class Garlick rollover in the Top 6

raceboatinternational 61

RACING INTO THE

FUTURE

www.babaracing.com

Experience + Technology + Quality = Safety

Blaze lifejackets

are the result of years of experience in the field of nautical competitions. They are manufactured in a specialized workshop, using the best materials nowadays in commerce and being scrupulously checked. Both outer surface and lining are in NOMEX and sewed up with NOMEX yarn. Buoyancy material is in AIREX U.I.M. approved Colour: Orange Price â&#x201A;Ź400.00

Contact: store@blazeperformance.com

AUSTRALIAN V8 SUPERBOAT Despite the early pace of Welch and Hutton, it was Mullan and Avenell who went into the finals trading places at the top of the timesheets, whilst for Rob Coley, a promising start to the weekend was amounting to little more than frustration on day two. “I don’t know what it is, I just can’t get the rotation right in my head,” he explained. “I know we have the pace to run at the top, but until you get the rotation right, there’s little point in pushing it. I honestly can’t put a finger on it - it’s not a difficult course, but I just can’t put a complete lap together!” Sadly for the popular Kiwi, his problems continued through until the finals where he was eliminated in the top 12. He wasn’t the only one, Greg Mercier was back up to speed for the finals, making the top six only narrowly over Coley, but a steering issue as a result of his new jet unit was making life difficult. “We’ve improved every session, but the boat is doing some very strange things in the steering department, and as a result I’m pushing it too hard, and inevitably it spat me off. A tough weekend, but we’ve learnt an awful lot about the boat and will be back for round four with a pretty potent package.” Sadly for the two Sygidus brothers, they were both eliminated during the Top 12 final, Ted missing out by the narrowest of margins despite one of his best runs of the weekend. “This is a new package for us, the new 680ci big-block has just gone in, and together with our new jet unit needs a lot of development, but it showed plenty of potential across the weekend. Even ‘Frankenstein Jnr’ was quick, but guest driver Paul Gaston [who was driving alongside Darek] obviously didn’t get the pre-event memo, because he knocked Dezi out of the Top 12!!” The round three final saw Mullan comfortably through with an impressive 36.466, with Avenell too bringing her ‘A-game’ to a 37.27 laying the foundations for a great final, whilst arguably the drive of the weekend came from Tremayne Jukes who incredibly found

pion Daryl Hutton. two seconds to eliminate Hutton for a place In 400-Class Mark Garlick’s victory in in the final three. In the end though, despite round three keeps the championship battle backing up his Top 6 time, Jukes could do well and truly alive, but his error in round nothing to stop Mullan, the ‘RAMJET’ pilot two which saw ‘Grumpy’ inverted in the Top powering through with a 36.450 to take the 6, has allowed the ever-consistent Damian win, whilst Avenell was forced to concede O’Leary to take the points lead. “It’s close after failing to make a start with further methis year, I think at one stage there was chanical issues. Her efforts though rewardeight one hundredths of a second between ed with third for the day and an extension the top three boats which is crazy,” Garlick in points, although with three wins from as admitted. “I’m just going to press on though many starts, Mullan sits alone at the top of and keep fighting because my main aim is the championship points table. “Very happy for Jake [Garlick] to hand me the champions with that, that’s three from three, and six in trophy at the end of the year. If I can do a row. Brooke [Avenell] was keeping me that, I’ll be one happy old man..!” pretty honest, she was pushing me harder Round four of the 2015 season sees than I wanted to go.” the Australian V8 Superboat Championship As for Avenell, the disappointment of not competitors return to Cabarita on the north being able to take the fight to Mullan in the coast of New South Wales in early August final was evident. Whether she would have (8-9) for a two-day event with qualifying runs taken the top step of the podium is a topic on Saturday and the final on Sunday. of speculation, but there was no doubt in her mind she could have pushed it. “There wasn’t much in it, and we 2015 Australian V8 Superboat were almost there in the Top Championships Series points 6. As for what would have Unlimited Superboat (after round 3 of 6) happened in the final, I would 1 Phonsy Mullan RAMJET 108 have given it a red-hot go, but sadly we suffered another mechanical issue on the ramp and couldn’t make the start. Disappointed, but happy to have taken the fight to Phonsy all weekend, am looking forward to going one better here in August.” There was some consolation for the Hi-Tec Oils crew, with Avenell the recipient of the $1000 ‘dial-your-time’ prize from 360Bolt in Q4, the young Victorian coming closer to her predicted time than anyone else in the field, in the end defeating 400-Class competitor Greg Harriman and former Unlimited cham-

Australian Superboat 2015 RACE DATES

Ted Sygidus

Frankenstein

Brooke Avenell

Hi-Tec Oils

Jamie Welch

Natwel Racing

Greg Mercier

ACOL Racing

Tremayne Jukes

JRE Engines

Daryl Hutton

Total Lubricants

Darek Sygidus

Frankenstein

Paul Burgess

Daly Transport

Cheryl Welch

Natwel Racing

Rob Coley

Poison Ivy

Daniel deVoigt

Q-BEARS

Paul Gaston

Frankenstein Jnr

Louise Dixon

Hi-Tec Oils

Tony Giustozzi

Excalibur

Mick Carroll

Excalibur

400-Class (Group A) (after round 3 of 7) 1

Damian O’Leary

Kryptonite

Mark Garlick

Grumpy

Greg Harriman

Pangaea Floors

Round 1

7 March

Temora (NSW)

Kevin Laugesen

spanet

Round 2/3

23-24 May

Tweed Coast (NSW)

Brad Marsden

Allcott Transformer

Round 4

8-9 August

Tweed Coast (NSW)

Brooke Lucas

Trouble Maker

Round 5

26 September

(venue TBC)

Paul Kelly

Anaconda

Round 6

24 October

Temora (NSW)

Peter Monger

Mongrel

Tweed Coast (NSW)

Brett Thornton

Obsession

Jesse Watkins

Kanaris Engines

Dave Moody

Jackhammer

Round 7

21-22 November

For more information on the 2015 Australian V8 Superboat Championships, visit www.v8superboats.com.auwww. facebok.com/V8Superboats

raceboatinternational 63

Article/Photos: Jeremy Ward

Warren Lewis and Andrew Koolen, in the Fairview Windows and Doors Skater 34 took out the Whitianga Ice Supplies Offshore 100 on the Coromandal Peninsula Warren Lewis returned to FMI Racing following his retirement two years ago convincingly winning, Placemakers Pakuranga and GJ Gardner Manukau Thunder on the Coast 2015 with Andrew Koolen, at Beachlands in Auckland. The Fairview Windows and Doors Skater 34 reveling in the light conditions, absolutely scorching around the course showing a clean pair of drives to the whole field. Wayne Valder and Chris Hanley in Profloors NZ1 heavier Phantom 34 Cat taking second place overall, ahead of Gordon Robinson and Allan Branch in Superboat Lite Fuel Doctor in front of a capacity beachfront crowd. Close racing in the truly spectacular conditions saw Gordon Robinson and Allan Branch in the AB Marine prepared Superboat Lite Fuel Doctor, powered with a pair of Mercury 300X outboards win the Superboat Lite Class title, with Total Home Developments #S-1 taking second place, with John Shand and Steve Jellick in Barely Legal #17 in third. Bryan McLean and Alistair Reeves in the famous twin turbo big block Chevy powered Mackay 27 Topaz, lead the Classic field at the start before alternator failure curtailed their days racing. Total Home Developments #103 took out the classic class following the lead changing on several occasions; Gull Force 10 taking second place

64 raceboatinternational

ahead of Grant Valder’s single inboard 502 Mercuiser Outlaw, which suffered overheating problems caused by a seaweed blocked heat exchanger. New to the Classic class and all the way from Mangonui in the Far North, in an immaculacy prepared Sleekline, Wiltons Garage & Marine were Hamish Wilton and Scott Tracey. Husband and wife team, Haydon and Delia Spiers from Whangarei won Sports 300 in their Ocke Mannerfelt 23 monohull Outboard Pro. Sports 200 was taken out by Alex and Josh Smith in their Sonic 1900SS “Triple Trouble”, with Mike Urquhart and James Downs in “NZ Home Loans ” Sonic 1900SS in second and Alex Smith and Josh Smith in their Sonic 1900SS “Pirates” in third place. Chris Haeger and Nick Campbell in New Zealand Home Loans 16 won Sports 150, with father and daughter Tony and Charlotte Carson in Red Steel second and D & H Steel crewed by brothers and sister Max, Jamie and Shara Carson in third. Visit http://www. nzoffshore.co.nz/ for full race results and the latest updates. Racing heads to Whitianga on the beautiful Coromandal Peninsula , on Saturday the 21st of March for Round four of the 2015 NZ Offshore Powerboat Championships. The events’ base and best viewing are from Buffalo Beach with racing starting at 11:00am.

2015 NZ OFFSHORE POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wayne Valder and Chris Hanley in Profloors NZ1 Phantom 34 Cat took second place overall,

YESTERYEAR

SURFURY MEMOIRS

Surfury was the first powerboat to capture the public’s imagination all over the world. Designed by Italian Sonny Levi and built by the British company Souters on the Isle of Wight, Surfury actually had its own fan club. However, despite its fame Surfury was actually not that successful on the offshore race circuits, but it didn’t seem to hinder the craft’s popularity which could be attributed to the pioneering delta profile and striking appearance at that time.

66 raceboatinternational

The article written in World of Powerboats in 1998 by now Editor of Raceboat International David Sewell, recounts the history of this British icon, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlikely we will ever see another offshore raceboat that will generate the iconic appeal that brought Surfury into the media arena.

raceboatinternational 67

After retiring from racing Surfury became an attraction at the Basildon Powerboat Museum in Essex until it closed in 2012. She now languishes in a warehouse in Swindon, Wiltshire until her future is decided.

68 raceboatinternational

YESTERYEAR SURFURY MEMOIRS

raceboatinternational 69

TWENTY ONE FOOT PHANTOM RIB “I purchased this in 2008 and fitted a brand new Evinrude 250HO – The motor has now done about 40 Hours and the boat has had very little use since we finished it Latham Marine Race steering arm and hydraulic arm fitted (cost £4k) – imported from states and works really well – super strong Tubes hold air for weeks – no repairs at all – but they could do with a professional clean Bow tank fitted – with lever next to drivers seat Foot throttle Ready to cruise all day or race in Class E Marathon class or RIB racing Boat has Top Speed of 74mph and cruises at 50 mph Tank holds 210 litres Engine uses 30 litres/hour cruising Trailer is included and is in perfect condition having had a recent £1000 professional overhaul and service £19,500.00 ono Please contact Dean Gibbs dgibbs@goinglean.co.uk

Ullman Daytona Race Seat Full Carbon with a neoprene seat insert. These are both new and unused – both have scratches on underneath as seen in the photos … this cannot be seen once mounted. Could easily be re-trimmed in leather and look top class for any super yacht/boat. The Ullman Daytona Seat is the lightest seat in its category available on the market. It is designed to be used in limited spaces and to give shock mitigation for extreme high speed boats. Daytona features; • Optimizing posture for impact protection and comfort. • Pure carbon fibre structures and seating elements in high-grade aluminum. • Ullman Semi Active Progressive Shock Mitigation System – Twin progressive dampers with adjustable compression. • Designed to fit limited and closed cabins. • No corrosive materials used in any components. • Lightweight racing performance. Important features; • All Ullman Seats are designed to protect the operator from getting injured. • The seat design optimizes your body posture, while the spring and damping system takes care of the high forces during impact. Please contact; Dean Gibbs – dgibbs@goinglean.co.uk Price - £5,500.00

FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE Designed and Built by Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats, Bristol USA Costruction Year 2008 Length: 13,11 mt (43’5’’ ft) Beam: 2,7 mt ( 9’ ft) Weight: 5.230 Kg Power: 2 x Mercury - 760hp 9.1 litres supercharged V8 (1520 hp total) – 8 Hours Drives: Dry Sump 6 Propellers: 3 sets of Hering propellers Top Speed: 118 M .P.H -190 K.P.H Fuel Capacity: 1200 litres Construction: Carbon Fibre Safety: Crew safety cells 5 point restraint harnesses. Emergency Air supply for each crew member. 2 x GPS Touch screen Garmin 5 seats Truck trailer included Spare parts PRICE: € 350,000 for the package listed above Please contact: Giancarlo Cangiano info@osgracing.com

2010 Hustler 29 Rockit One owner from new and comes with full CE certification and VAT paid status, a mid level entry boat fitted with a single Mercury Racing 600SCi inboard motor. Hustler have established themselves very well globally in both the racing and pleasure market. They are now creeping into the UK with a known 26, 29, 344 and 38 ft versions in our waters. Based on the successful 39 rockit she boasts beautiful lines, spacious cockpit and the new sex step hull! We are talking an 80mph boat! Specification: - MERCURY RACING 600SCi 8.2L V8 Supercharged 600HP Custom Upholstery & Custom paint Custom made Bramber triple axle roller trailer with bunk support Extras include: chartplotter, underwater lights, Sports tech outdrive cooling shower. Tech Spec: Length: 29.1 ft Beam: 2.44 meter Max Draft: 0.64 meter

YESTERYEAR SURFURY MEMOIRS

raceboatinternational 71

! E L I M S PIT ACTION SHOTS

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking the Andy Cousins

Darryn Harrison

Tracy Robinson (blonde) & Demeiza Johns

72 raceboatinternational

Lynsay Crellin & Amber Sexton

Amber Sexton

Gary Tolman

Sami Selio

Scott Gillman (right) and Eric Stark

Erik Stark

Tomaso Polli

Ahmed Al Hameli

Marit Stromoy and her EMIC team

raceboatinternational 73

tiger PerfOrManCe PrODuCtS Waterproof Submersible intercom System iP 67 & 68 rated

We Now Offer Optional Built-in Digital Sound Suppression and Bluetooth Wireless Phone Features!

er OrDW ! nO

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