September 21, 2002
Thundercats fly at Waihi Beach
14 Boats turned up for a breath
of fresh air at Waihi Beach - 30-40 knot winds off-shore
with less than one metre swells. The wind brought new meaning to the
phrase 'flying by the seat of your pants!' Low flying
set up for the day was imperative - flat trim and lash the Co-pilot
to the nose cone!
Several boats had short flights
followed by crash landings; Rock FM, Dark Dog, CarPro & ZM
who believe quality not quantity will take out the flipper of
the year award! Personally I would have given 9/10 for
Artistic Impression and 8/10 for the Degree of Difficulty - GO
David!
Matamata Motors caused a bit of
interest when they started in the wrong heat, broke down in front of
”E” Buoy (or was this a photo opportunity eh Paul?), and
finished last with a very loud 'No Comment'.
Waikato Sandblasting (Mark) is
back with the extra super wide Aquarius (Let’s see you overtake
this puppy!) - glad to see you back.
0800 PROPELLER got himself a
good second place in one of the heats. Lookout boys he’s getting
better and stronger every race day.
Great to see Marcelle in S200 on
his first day's racing here in NZ - still coming to terms with a
prop-guard and boat setup but will be looking forward to the next
few race meetings being long-hauls!
The
Generator 89.0 with a good turn off speed every now and again
had a problem with their Co-pilot spraining his ankle but he’s OK.
Armour Linings finished 4th
for the day. Could the new boat be a bit flighty? I did
hear a comment they were cleared for take off and Flash, the only
passenger, would not remain in his seat (probably chasing a
stewardess).
Kamikaze with his running flat
setup in 3rd place was heard to say 'what wind?' - is
that boy cool or what?
Team Aquarius Racing pushing it
to the limits, the only way they kept the nose down was to fit Kevin
McKain with a pair of lead underpants! 'M A T E' McKain
you’ve done it again. Good crew racing to earn 2nd
place.
ETA Ripples with first time Co-pilot
Ryan Street (Clubby) came out with the comment 'AWESOME DAY'.
He can’t wait to get his new boat in the
water. Kelvin once again proved he’s one of the best in NZ
& looked good all day. So Kelvin 1st place means
you’ve done enough for a Mallow Puff.
PS so did I.
PPS Thanks Gavin of Car Pro for
towing the trailer back to Auckland.
Alan Astrop - Race
Director
