50. A number which transcends many facets of life to signify achievement and milestones. Your 50th birthday, 50th wedding anniversary, a player scoring 50 points, a team reaching 50 wins and so on. This year, the Trinidad and Tobago Powerboat Association celebrates its 50th Anniversary, and judging by the turnout for their first regatta for the season, this is a season not to miss. Over the years the boats have grown from the size the average pickup to…..well…..50ft monsters. Engine horsepower has accelerated to keep pace with the demands of time and machinery….today’s A Class boats having a combined 3,000hp from their twin supercharged V8 engines. Brave are the men and women who have taken the helm and piloted their crafts not only in the waters of Trinidad and Tobago….but the waters in between. Overs the years, overseas teams came an tried their hands at the Great Race..only one actually claiming the top prize, Dollar Marine.
Now, onto the days action….and was there action, some even before the racing began. Five classes were contesting the two sprint races, followed by two circuit events.Classes F & G were paired together as were D & E. The big boys in Class A were on their own, and for the first time in a couple years, 5 boats were present. Early casualty however was Cat Killer, who on a warm up run, had an oil pressure problem. The problem was thought to be fixed by the running of the second sprint but just after taking the start, it resurfaced forcing a retirement from the days racing.
Class A…the boys with the biggest toys, a sight to behold and more so hear with their twins V8s resonating as they lap the course in the Gulf of Paria. Five boats came out but it was the return Monster, under Motul sponsorship, that had everyone buzzing. Awaiting her were Mr. Solo Too, Iron Man, Big Thunder and Cat Killer. With Cat Killer out, the 2 two sprints were a 4 boat showdown and were easily won by Monster, showing all in attendance that the 2 year layoff had little affect on the Team. Those twin Supercharged Sterling V8 engines on E85 fuel were turning out so much power that on the first lap of the first circuit, one of the blades on one of the props broke. Props changed, in the final circuit event, with a commanding lead, 500ft from the finish, they lost steering and just managed to beat Big Thunder to the line. That win prevented Big Thunder from claiming both circuit events and had they not backed off, they might have well beaten Monster to the line. The crew of the great white boat had a great showing after a number of issues during last year’s season. Mention must be made that Big Thunder was under control of a first time driver as were the crew in Iron Man. The crew for Heatwave (whose engine is still being rebuilt) got the opportunity to run Iron Man for the day and gave a very good account of themselves for all the days races. The stalwart of the class Mr. Solo Too, despite running their locally built V8 engines, down on horsepower to everyone else, were having a good day until a drive let go ending their day on last circuit event.
In Class D & E, there was just one boat in D, Ultra Rush,with Mobil Outlaw battling with Blue Ice in Class E. Making a welcome return to the water was Ultra Rush, and with their twin V8s on song, she was a pretty sight out on the water, not missing a beat all race day long. Not to be left behind, even though they were down an entire engine, Mobil Outlaw kept pace even with a new driver at the helm. With Heatwave expected back for the next event, the battle between these two should make the class very exciting to watch for the rest of the season. Blue Ice outboards were no match for the V8 power in Mobil Outlaw but held their own for a good race day result.
Over in Class F & G, it was Fire Chief II vs Extreme Measures vs Chris Gone Wild in Class F, with Timeless and Limit Less taking on defending National Champion Trident. With boats all on such equal footing, the sprints and circuits were split between the boats in their classes but with some very close racing between them all. It should be noted, the National Champion Team for the last 3 years are from these two classes and are usually some of the most exciting boats to watch, especially when the waters get choppy.
So, one event down, cards have been thrown on the table and some still being played close to the chest. With a few notable names still to hit the water, Jumbie, Bacchanal, Global Warmer, Stampede, Savage and yes, Vortex, this year’s racing is far from a forgone conclusion and one that shouldn’t be missed. Special thanks to the TTPBA Team, Rog Bell and Timothy Skinner for the ride out.
….till next time.