Outerlimits' New Hull-Engine Package Powering Class 1 Fendi Team

Italian team Fendi Racing has been testing their new Outerlimits boat-engine package, which they are planning to run competitively for the first time in July at the Class 1 BMW Norwegian Grand Prix in Arendal. The American-made boat was put through a series of shakedown tests on Lake Lecco by throttleman Giovanni Carpitella, alongside team manager and crew chief Marco Bonomo.

The Fendi Team - PHOTO CREDITS: Class-1.com.

“This hull-engine combination is completely different to the Victory boat that Fendi ran in Abu Dhabi," explained Bonomo. "We have a lot to learn in terms of its handling characteristics and overall performance, and some work to do tweaking the engines.”

During test on open waters near Jesolo, Team owner Luca Fendi Formilli Fendi was there to get his first outing in the new boat. “I was very emotional when I saw the boat, even more so after going out to test,” he said. “The last time I saw it, it was just a mass of grey material in a workshop in America and to see it now is incredible. The team has done an amazing job. Now the project I started to talk about over a year ago has really come together.”

The decision by the team to run with the Outerlimits boat and twin 850 SC Outerlimits Powertrain engines sees the American high performance boat manufacturer making its debut into the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, swelling the ranks of different boat-engine manufacturers competing in the championship to five. The Arendal, Norway race is scheduled for July 15th - 17th.

Team TDI Clean Diesel takes on NYC to Bermuda World Record

Chris Fertig from TDI Clean Diesel has announced that they will be attempting to break the world record time between New York City and Bermuda, using a 37' Statement Center Console (see below). As part of Boating Magazine's Bermuda Challenge, the basic rules of the run are simple: the boat must be trailerable, less than 40’ in length, and the 780 mile trip from the Statue of Liberty to St. Georges, Bermuda must be made without refueling.

PHOTO CREDITS: Boating Magazine.

The challenge was first met in 1996 by Larry Graf in his Glacier Bay 260 Canyon Runner with twin Honda 90s. Running time from North Cove Yacht Harbor at the World Financial Center in New York City to Bermuda, off Gates Fort, was 37 hours. The current record, set by Neil Burnie in a 306 Prowler back in 2002, stands at 22 hours and 23 minutes. "

Team TDI will be streaming live video and audio to the web during the run," says Fertig, "So you can cheer us on as we make our way across the gulf stream, through the Bermuda Triangle towards the finish line in St. Georges."

To see more pics and read more about the challenge, check out Boating Magazine's Bermuda Challenge web page.

VIDEO: Malta 2011 Ocean Grand Prix - OnBoard With Nigel Hook

Last weekend's Malta Grand Prix of The Sea Enduro Class was handily won by the #33 Furnibo boat, garnering them 20 championship points and a winning time of 00:39:43:80. For an interesting take on this recent race and the course, check out this YouTube video featuring the newest U.S.-built Lucas Oil boat, with an excellent running commentary by Nigel Hook.

The commentary is especially insightful as Nigel speeds through the course, explaining the methods involved in maneuvering around the bouys and negotiating turns effectively at approximately 100mph. It's very interesting to watch an expert in action, calmly providing the details about what would be a "white knuckle" ride for most people. Job well done!

Video courtesy of oceangrandprix.com

UK Powerboat Racer Shelley Jory Back behind The Wheel in P1 Superstock

We've highlighted Shelley Jory's efforts before - back in 2009, well before before a pair of dramatic accidents last July left her with some very serious injuries. Earlier last year, the 40-year old had become the first woman to win a Powerboat P1 Grand Prix event, but when her boat Spirit of Belgium sunk in Sardinia, she and throttleman Patrick Huybrieghts ended up in the hospital, wondering if they would ever race again.

Describing the accident, Shelley said it was easily the worst of her career: "The front of the boat just dipped into the water and shattered on impact. It's like driving a car into a brick wall at 83 mph," she recalled, recovering from head injuries and a broken nose.

After an extended leave of absence, Shelley has decided to return to powerboat racing, planning to announce her entry into the Powerboat P1 Superstock series in the UK. Though the boats don't have the power and speed of her previous P1 championship boats, they will offer her a significant challenge.

“P1 have always been a great support to me through my career, she says. "This will take me back to my Honda race days, which were by far the most competitive and fun racing I have done.”

Jory & Huybrieghts - the first wreck in Malta. PHOTO CREDIT: motorboatsmonthly.com

From Hampshire England, Shelley has always been a fan favorite, and when she's not boating, runs a very successful bridal business. Her first race event is scheduled for Jersey on June 11-12, and I'm sure we're not the only ones wishing her the best of luck. For more information on that race, go HERE.

Powerboat Magazine Ends Regular Publication Upon Aquisition by Bonnier Corp.

Long established as THE source for news, boat reviews and features covering the world of high performance boating, Powerboat Magazine will cease regular publication in August after being purchased by Bonnier Corporation, one of America's largest consumer publishing groups. With over 1,000 employees and more than $350 million in annual revenue, Bonnier Corp. ranks in the top 10 nationally among publishing companies. The company was formed in March 2007 when Sweden's Bonnier Group purchased 18 magazines from Time Inc. and combined those assets with its U.S. magazine partner, World Publications,

Rumors of a purchase offer had been floating around performance boating forums for about a week, but only today has the announcement of Powerboat's sale been officially announced on the Powerboat Facebook web page:

"Surely hope this isn't an end of an era, but it's still a sad day. After the July 2011 issue, which is being sent out this week, it looks like Boating will be coming your way if you're a Powerboat subscriber."

Bonnier currently publishes a number of marine-relate titles, including Boating, Sportfishing, Yachting and WaterSki, among others. Reportedly, Powerboat and Trailer Boats (also acquired from Affinity Media Group) will be offered from time-to-time as "special issues" during the boating season.

Of course, I enjoyed Powerboat as much as anyone else, and it has been hard to watch the magazine gradually shrink as the performance boat industry has taken a beating over the last few years. While the content has always been first-class, the fewer number of advertising pages sold has clearly had a significant impact on the cost of operation. While on the surface, it seems like the end of an era--it may be a sign that media coverage of performance boating is simply changing to reflect new technologies, new publishing models and new times. We're looking forward to being a part of that.

Video: It's 1972 All Over Again as Cowes to Monte-Carlo Race Shapes up for 2013.

They are calling it the longest and toughest offshore powerboat race in the world...and they are probably right. The 2013 Cowes to Monte-Carlo Race will cover 2,400 nautical miles in deep offshore water, from England and then off the coasts of France, Spain, Portugal, through Gibraltar and across the Riviera coast. It has only been run once - in 1972 - and is open to any powerboat from 26ft to 50ft, fitted with diesel or gas, inboard or outboard engines. Since the distance between some of the stopover venues will range from from 190 to over 300 miles, long distance tanks will be a must.

VIDEO CREDITS: cowestomontecarlo.com.

So far, about 40 teams from 12 different countries have signed up to participate, and the UK organizers are hoping USA teams will eventually be among them (we do see a USA Donzi entry on their web site). In any case, it's important to move fast, since the cap for participating boats will be set at 55. We'll keep you posted as news about the race develops - but you can always check out the latest happenings at the Official Race Site. In the mean time , you can check out the video here, posted on YouTube by nauticwebnews.

700 HP V-12 Diesel Sparks Interest at Dusseldorf Marine Show

Ray at Raylar Engines recently shared some photos of this musclebound V-12 diesel offering that was recently showcased in Germany. Identified as the RED A03, the engine would be a newcomer to the marine world, as it is currently only available as an aircraft engine.

 PHOTO CREDITS:  maritimepropulsion.com.

Originally developed to fill a niche market between aircraft gasoline piston engines and the more expensive turboprops, the powerplant is the brainchild of Russian engineer Vladimir Raikhlin. Built by the RED aircraft GmbH, located in Adenau, Germany, the marine version of the engine is designed for output power of approximately 700 hp at 3,900 rpm.

The liquid cooled V-12 diesel engine has a 90 degree configuration between cylinder banks and twin double overhead camshafts. It's also electronically controlled with a common rail direct fuel injection system, and features a dry sump lubrication system, twin fuel pumps, twin turbochargers and an integrated oil-water heat exchanger.

Further details of the powerplant should be announced later this year; while it will no doubt be expensive, it would probably offer an extremely high degree of reliability, since it was originally designed for aircraft applications. In the end, this might give it a serious leg up on similarly-priced high-end gas engines, like a Merc 1350.

Cocoa Beach Ready for Super Boat International Season Opener, May 18-22

SBI is celebrating its second consecutive year racing at Cocoa Beach with next week's 2nd Annual Bright House Space Coast Grand Prix. In fact, it was just last Fall when SBI teams converged on Cocoa Beach and hit the water after what had been a 20-year hiatus.

PHOTO CREDITS: Super Boat International.

Extra good news is that even more teams are expected than last year, with some of the world’s fastest boats scheduled to race along the area's sandy beaches near the famous Cocoa Beach Pier. “2010 was a very good as a first year back, and we expect this to be an even more exciting race than before,"  says SBI Founder John Carbonell. "We're pleased again to see how excited and supportive the community is about Super Boat racing. This is really going to make for a great season opener for 2011.”

Cocoa Beach fans unable to attend the race in person can follow Sunday’s activities on superboat.com and watch it through the live streaming broadcast. Super Boat International is broadcasting the entire 2011 season online through live streaming and can be found at superboat.com/live-tv on the day of the race.

The week's events start off with a sponsor and VIP party, May 18th at the Paradise Cove Restaurant. Teams, boats and support equipment will continue to arrive Thursday, May 19th in the Dry Pits across from Fishlips, and race boats will be on display for the “Powerboats on Parade” in downtown Cocoa Beach at 3pm.

Friday, May 20th is team registration and boat inspections along with parties and live entertainment in the evening near the pits. Teams will be testing on Saturday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and the races are on Sunday, May 22nd at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

High Concept: Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu Speedboat

Ben Walsh, the wizard behind the Cadillac Converj Concept car, has recently taken his design concepts from the highway to the water, with the Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu Speedboat.

PHOTO CREDITS: Driven.

Walsh has transformed the design elements found in a custom Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport to bring us this concept, which is similar to what Mercedes-Benz AMG did with its SLS-inspired speedboat. Bugatti stunned spectators with its “Sang Bleu” edition at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance back in 2009, so Walsh used that design as a springboard to create a 30-foot speedboat that sports the same polished aluminum and royal blue carbon fiber construction, along with the same Gaucho leather gracing the interior as the motorcar.

Walsh’s boat design “concept” remains just that for now, but it should be pointed out that company founder Ettore Bugatti also had the same vision of developing an exclusive high-powered motorboat back in the 1920s--which makes this idea not so much of a stretch. Clearly, this is one design we'd like to see out on the water.

Former Honeyparty Skater to debut as Geico Caveman Boat

Word has it that the former Honeyparty.com 399 Skater V-bottom that once competed in Powerboat P1's Evolution class is being re-worked and refitted to compete as the Geico Caveman boat during this year's offshore race season. No exact word on what class the boat is expected to enter; this may depend on the sanctioning body for each race the the specific rules involved.

PHOTO CREDIT: Honeyparty.com.

Known for his aggressive racing style, particularly in rough waters, former Honeyparty throttleman Richard Carr will be flying in to handle those same duties on the big 40' vee. Powered by a couple of 1350hp Chief engines and Arnseon surface drives, the boat was constructed back in 2008 of carbon/kevlar epoxy composites built to withstand the brutal environment of ocean racing.

Geico has had a promotional Caveman Cigarette in the past, so we may have a clue to what the reliveried Skater might look like. Whenever and wherever the new boat debuts, it's sure to be an exciting addition to the Geico racing team...and we'll be sure to bring you some photos when they're available!

OSS Race Season Continues to Take Shape

We told you about the upcoming OSS race coming up in Biloxi...and the organization's 2011 season continues to take shape as they have released their 2011 schedule. OSS will be joining Powerboat P1 USA at several venues, including classes within the P1 format under the sanction of the American Power Boat Association (APBA) and the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

“Whereas we are still working on a couple sites, we realized we had to get at least this partial schedule announced....we look forward to announcing the other sites very soon and appreciate everyone’s patience.” said Michael (Mike) Mares, OSS Board Chairman.

PHOTO CREDITS: Screamandfly.com.

2011 OSS Racing Schedule


May 12-15 Smokin’ the Sound Biloxi, MS.
June 10-12 TBA
July 8-10 Detroit, MI.
August 18-20 Morehead City, NC.
Sept. 2-4 TBA
Sept. 16-18 Hoosier Offshore Classic, Lk Monroe, Bloomington, IN.
Oct. 12-16 TBA

German-Made Spider Powerboat Packs Turbodiesel Power in a Compact Package

Every once in a while we like to check out what performance boat manufacturers are doing in other parts of the world, and we recently came across this outstanding example from German manufacturer Spider Powerboats. The German-made Spider 24V may remind you of a wild psychedelic acid trip, but even if it does, you can bet are it will be a FAST trip. Certainly the paint job and some of the detailing are very creative and original, but the technology and hardware are impressive, too.

PHOTO / VIDEO CREDITS:  Spider Powerboats.

This 7.3m, 1800kg boat packs plenty of power into a modestly-sized package...and what power it is--a single, beefy turbodiesel that can propel this little beast up to 85mph. With a 200L fuel capacity and a price of about 86,000 euros, it's not a bad deal, either.

Spider also makes this boat with a 8.1L V8 for about 10k less. Both models feature a SARO Tunnelprop drive for efficient power, an advanced, double-step hull, Gaffrig controls and Auto-meter gauges. To see the boat at speed, check out the YouTube video below:

While this boat would look great on a place like Havasu, you can see in the power and the details that the approach is a little different from what we typically see over here in the US. The differences are subtle, yet interesting.  To see more, head over to the Spider Powerboats website. But better polish up on your German, first.

Meeting Up with an Italian Beauty

I was recently on Twitter when I saw a link to Eris Propellers' blog, which took me to a nice story about enjoying boating with the family. The story itself was rather brief, but what really caught my eye was the photo that accompanied the story - a very slick concept boat, the Archidiavolo, from Italian boat builder Cantieri Di Sarnico.

PHOTO CREDITS: Cantieri Di Sarnico.

There's no doubt that this is a real beauty - and the black-and-white color scheme really makes the most of its sharp Italian lines. It's hard to tell from the image, but according to other sources on the web, the multi-hull is based on a very unique 3-point design, which can be seen at left in an old photo of the Arcidiavolo I, which originally saw action back in the 1970's. To read more (use Google Translate, it's in Italian) check out the story of the original vessel HERE. It may not have been much to look at, but there can be little doubt the new version would turn a lot of heads!

Video: 2011 Class 1 Season Promo Really Rocks!

If you haven't been out on your boat yet this year, this new promo video for the 2011 Class 1 Powerboat racing season will have you chomping at the bit to get out and hit the water. Like everything else about this series, the video is first class...and it's sure to get your blood pumping. So sit back, turn up the volume and rock on!

For now, Class 1 organizers announced that Norway, Italy, Brazil and Abu Dhabi have joined Dubai as the season venues, with the possibility of a sixth event to be announced later. The series will have one of its strongest line-ups in recent years when the season opens in Dubai on April 14-16.

Classic NZ Powerboat Still has Plenty of Class

Came across a nice story in The Northern Advocate focusing on a very nice restoration. Two years ago, an opportunity arose for Bryan McLean of Whangarei, NZ and his best pal of 50 years, 72-year-old Ian Reeves, to buy a boat. But it wasn't just any boat - it was a 38-year-old Classic Class boat named Topaz.

PHOTO CREDITS: The Northern Advocate.

"It was built by Jim McKay in Auckland 38 years ago, and in its hey-day won the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Unlimited Championships twice. We completely stripped it and rebuilt it to exactly how it was 38 years ago. It's beautiful. We re-powered it with a big block Chevrolet Twin Turbo which develops around 1000hp and can exceed 80 miles per hour - even though it's a Classic class boat which means you cannot exceed 80 miles per hour when racing."

This year, the men got to test drive their hard work, contesting the Classic division in four rounds of the Rayglass New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Series. The pair, who were only competing for the "love of racing", not a championship title, were pleased with their second place in the Classic Class, finishing 30 seconds behind the winner. To read the whole story - check out the article HERE

Powerboat P1’s New Boat and USA SuperStock Series to Debut at Miami International Boat Show

The innovative versatility of P1's new 28' boat will be featured on the SuperStock exhibition stand at the Miami Boat Show, with both the race and leisure versions on display. The P1-28SS race boat was unveiled by Powerboat P1 USA at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Orlando, Florida in December 2010. This will be the first time that the pleasure version has been on display.

PHOTO CREDITS: Powerboat P1.

The boat design was the work of Raimondo Luretig at Powerboat P1, hull design input came from Fountain Powerboats of the USA, tooling by Marine Concepts in Florida, high-tech production moulds supplied by Liberty Associates of North Carolina and Canada-based BRP Evinrude will be the exclusive engine partner. After ten months of development, the result is an eye-catching craft complete with the latest technology in safety, hull design, digital telemetry and data acquisition. The ability to switch between racing and pleasure is a unique feature of the boat; in just a 5-minute process, the cowling can be removed to deliver a comfortable 4-seat cockpit you'd expect in a leisure boat.

P1’s Director of North American Operations, Martin Sanborn says: “To be a viable motorsport, there has to be a credible competition model and that starts with the new boat. We wanted something unique and inspirational that would attract new racers to the sport. In the P1-28SS we have something that appeals not only to competitors but also to their families, friends and business contacts.”


Personally, I've admired this concept boat over the past few years since it originated with the former Honda Formula Four-Stroke racing series. I'm sure this updated version has a lot to offer - and if delivered at a price-point that makes sense, may offer a great option for regular performance boaters as well as weekend racers.

The P1 SuperStock Championship will run in both the UK and USA this year, with the American series scheduled to start in May and include events in Biloxi, Detroit, Cleveland and Morehead City. We'll definitely be there for the Cleveland debut!

New Racing Promoter is Bullish on the Future of Class 1

H20 Racing's Nicolò di San Germano is optimistic that the new direction of UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship will boost the sport and help move it forward. As head of Class 1 Promotion and the Championship’s newly appointed promoter, San Germano believes that strength in numbers, clear communication and implementation of fair rules will be a major element in getting things on track.

PHOTO CREDITS: Class 1 Racing.

"Our target is to have a minimum of ten boats and this part I think we have already overcome because we have interest from over ten boats for the beginning of the season." Past experience has demonstrated that racers and fans want clarity and fairness in the applicaiton of rules - and this is a top priority this year. "“First of all," he adds, "the rules have to be clear and they [UIM] have done this and now through strong independent referees they must be applied."

For San Germano, the move into Class 1 was a logical step - where he will be looking to draw on and exercise his 17 years of experience as a successful water sports promoter to reinvigorate the sports appeal. “In powerboat circles worldwide Class 1 represents glamour, and was the first class to have a series promoter, Mr Mauro Ravenna. The fact that we are involved in other marine sports, F1H2o, now the new Nations Cup and now Aquabike, it was a logical step to add Class 1 to our effort."

Lightning On The Water Expected to Electrify Atlantic City & The Jersey Shore

The Offshore Powerboat Association hosts "Lightning on the Water" on Sunday Sept. 19 in Atlantic City, a Grand Prix event that's shaping up to be a critical junction in the current OPA racing season. This is the first year powerboats have raced in Atlantic City since 2004, after competing in Point Pleasant for the last several years. Racing takes place in six bracketed divisions, and the winner of the premier division (Extreme Turbine – Unlimited) will be vying for a $50,000 grand prize.

PHOTO CREDIT: Press of Atlantic City

"We have no intention of going away," said OPA president Ed Smith, 53, who races a 38-footer sponsored by Wazzup Motorsports. "We are going to do this for many years in the future. I am looking at least another five years."

This year's races begin Sunday at noon, right in front of Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort to the Showboat Casino Hotel, with the start/finish line in front of the Steer Pier. The races will air on the Versus television channel later in the year, and the high level of interest in the race may point to a revitalization of offshore powerboat racing on the Jersey Shore. About 45 boats are expected for this weekend's races, an increase over the 30 boats that competed at Point Pleasant last year. This year's event attracted a number of drivers due to the upgraded facilities, convenient dockage and extra entertainment value that Atlantic City has to offer.

This winter's television exposure is also expected to aid the growth of the sport, which is getting a major boost in support from Geico. The 2010 race schedule will appear on the cable sports channel starting in late Fall and will run through the end of the year. Geico has also teamed up with Trump Entertainment Resorts to give the Atlantic City race an extra-high profile, providing additional promotion and providing top-level accommodations for the racers.

PHOTO CREDIT: Seabreeze.com.au.

In addition, the 2010 race has a special international flair, as well known competitors like Spirit of Qatar driver Sheikh Hassan are showing up to hit the waves at Atlantic City. The Sheikh admits that the race venues on the eastern coast of the U.S. offers a distinct new challenge to his team. “In fact, the whole east coast is new to us,” he adds. “We know the races take place on open seas, and we hope we can have an advantage with that if we experience rougher conditions.”

Southampton Grand Prix of the Sea sets UK's Southern Coast Abuzz

Powerboat fans in the UK were buzzing about the four big races on the South Coast at Southampton this weekend - as the Southampton Grand Prix of the Sea was set against the backdrop of the big PSP Southampton Boat Show. Seventeen teams from the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship fleet competed, including five teams that hit the water in P1 for the very first time.

PHOTO CREDIT: Powerboat P1 Superstock

That fact made it especially exciting for Team Fox, who celebrated its maiden Powerboat P1 SuperStock Championship as Martin Colligan and Gideon du Val beat seven other powerboat teams to the title, moving within 26-points of championship leaders, Grandstand Motor Sports, with one event to go.

PHOTO CREDIT: PSP Southampton Boat Show.

Early reports had ticket sales up by 112% and the 350+ boat show had added up to 70 more showboats on exhibit in the marina, significantly up from 2009. The excitement and crowds generated by the boat show offered an outstanding opportunity for the P1 SuperStock Championship racers to compete in front of a large and enthusiastic audience. Last year the ten-day boat show event attracted 130,000 visitors but organizers say this year's 42nd annual show would likely break all records.

Don Aronow Memorial Marathon Race Around Long Island Set for September 18th

The 2010 Don Aronow Memorial Race is just a week away, and promises to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to race just like the legends of the sport did....and that includes traveling over the same course and deal with the same conditions they endured many years ago. As HORBA managing director Charlie McCarthy says about this race:

"You finally can compete without having to be a billionaire and have a chance for the win. Many, many races were won by people who used their heads, rather than go allout and blow up in the first half of the race.""

The race starts at LaMotta's Restaurant/Manhasset Bay Marina in Port Washington, NY, then heads North -- going around Orient Pt Litehouse, then around Montauk Pt Litehouse, South around the Rockaways, up the Hudson River, up the East River and back to LaMotta's Restaurant. The total distance is 271 miles, and participants can stop for fuel (if needed) wherever they want.

PHOTO CREDITS: Charlie McCarthy - HORBA,

Stu Hayim in his 32 Skater, "RECOVERY" set the record for this course at 3 hours and 6 minutes in 1989 with Joey Impresscia on the throttles. Think you need a big boat? The first two winners of the Around-Long Island race (in 1959 and 1960) were just 17-footers!

As always, thanks to Charlie McCarthy at HORBA for posting these inspirational, historic photos on the message boards for us to enjoy. For more information about the race, head over to www.nationalpowerboat.com.