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Perspectives Super Boat Grand Prix

Super Boat Grand Prix

“THIS IS NOT JUST A BOAT RIDE”

By Ed Bertha

Photography by Rodrick Cox

There is nothing typical about the Super Boat International Racing Series; the racetrack is mother-nature’s water, relentlessly changing and frequently includes volatile, unpredictable environments. The level of skill required by the racers is exceedingly intense: adrenaline, dexterity, talent and a hyper focus on surroundings and conditions are just a few. It is exciting for spectators as well. There is no stadium-style seating or chain link fence dividing the fans from the racers. Depending on what watercourse is attended, fans watch from the beaches, bridges, piers, boats anchored outside the race way and even on the turn boats used as markers for the racers.

tilted-kilt [1]
Tilted Kilt
Class Manufacturer Production 3, Make 35’ Fountain, Engines 2-650 HP Mercury, Richard Davis Driver, Tony Canale Owner/Throttleman

Perhaps you have attended. The sport is exhilarating: boats whip across the water in speeds of excess of 140 miles per hour, coming within inches of each other and at times the vessels are launched so far above the water you just cringe hoping they will land safely. Imagine being aboard one of the racing vessels, it is an environment of speed that requires an astronomical amount of expertise, perseverance and fearlessness.

“We pull 7.5 G’s, more than a fighter pilot can withstand”

I had the exhilarating opportunity to meet with three of the racers who reside right here in Sarasota. Three of the best racers in the Super Boat industry, recent Triple Crown Winner (2012 FL, National and World Championship Winner) Richard Davis (Tilted Kilt), and 2012 Florida/National Champions, Dan Lawrence (Twisted Offshore) and Mark Niemann (Phantom 9). While rare to have three national champions in one area, Sarasota is second only to Key West when it comes to Super Boat racing.

phantom-9 [2]Phantom 9
Class Super Boat Vee Limited, Make 30’ Phantom, Engines 1-525 HP Mercury, Mark Niemann Owner/Driver, Kurt Jagel Throttleman

My curiosity pushed me. What I wanted to learn most was what it is like being inside one of the banzai vessels? Dan answered my curiosity with an unequivocal analogy. “Super Boat racing is like flooring a Ferrari through a rough construction site, at night, with no headlights.” The water way is often rough and the boats are super light in comparison. Airborne is only a fraction of a second away. “I was coming into a turn. Everything was fine. In a split second we were upside down under water. It’s not a good feeling,” he recalls.

“One hour of racing requires one hundred hours of manpower”

Richard asserts, “Offshore racing is an adrenaline rush but also an addiction. It can affect your pocketbook, your relationships, and your entire life.” Mark adds, “Racing is not just to be fast and win, but to survive.” “We were racing and a boat flipped. I wanted to stop and help, but my spotter said help was on the way and to continue the race. It was hard,” Dan shares with concern in his eyes.

twisted-offshore [3]Twisted Offshore
Class Superboat Stock, Make 32’ Doug Wright, Engines 2-280 HP Mercury, Rob Nunziato Driver, Dan Lawrence Throttleman

Meeting with the three I soon came to learn how competitiveness turns to compassion. The racers actually work together, not against each other as they are up against more competition from mother-nature, their vessel and obstacles more intense and dangerous than what we may perceive as their opposition.

Our next opportunity to see the racers in action in Sarasota is July 7, 2013. Be there, if you dare.

Copyright © 2012 REAL Magazine
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