Thats exactly what I mean about the WWS record Bob———— it’s claimed a hell of a lot of lives down the years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob V
Pruett took me to meet Art Arfons—— he was down the road apiece from Rick La Morte, he loved turbos
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Thats exactly what I mean about the WWS record Bob———— it’s claimed a hell of a lot of lives down the years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob V
Pruett took me to meet Art Arfons—— he was down the road apiece from Rick La Morte, he loved turbos
Came into the house for a cup of tea, pills and a biscuit———- watched the last ten laps of the Monaco GP————if ever there was a clear cut case of a race being rigged———— it was this one.
Racing (crawling) at speeds five seconds a lap slower than last year——— all but one car actually finishing———— most of them on the same lap———- it was, to put it simply A Procession!
Another one like that and it’ll be F1/s own funeral procession !
I stopped watching two years ago when I realised just how”BENT” the whole F1 scene had become———- shan’t be watching it again——— talk about watching paint dry !
Another productive day in the shop——- well pleased with my achievement——- still have four pug ugly outboards to make.
Sad to hear my son Mark had to cancel his trip to visit England on Tuesday——— his wife Vicky was rushed to hospital today——— prognosis is not good——- I’ll keep you in the loop.
If you think about it, there are so many variable that have to come together to successfully set a world speed record. Many of those variable are out of our control. So at best, even with the best technology on the planet, setting a world speed record is little more than a crap shoot. All it takes is for one or two of the variables to go astray and the whole project becomes a disaster.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
So sorry to hear about Mark's wife...
On a personal but very selfish note, I had been so much looking forward to spending time with Mark and Vicky——— we just don’t get time to talk. Somehow, we got caught up in the rush that is glibly labelled “Life”.
If you’re racing boats in the top flight——— then your in the “Fast Lane”——- it takes over your life—— 95% of the time you’re preparing for the next race——— out of season is time for getting your rear in gear ——- scheming and planning as to how you can come out of the traps ahead of the opposition.
I don’t ever remember the transition from competitive racing to organising a series——- helping Mark get into the top level——— I woke up one morning and I was old———- turned 80 ——- and still here!
Somewhere along the way I had acquired five kids——- eleven grandkids and thirteen great grandkids.
My own kids had grown “UP,UP AND AWAY, all had gone there own separate ways———Sandra and Steve had moved to Italy working for BOOTSIE.———- Mark and Vick had gone to live in Switzerland working for Rolla at Record props.
Sam had joined forces with three others to form an air freight company at Heathrow——— turned out the youngest had the best head for business——— has houses in Rural England ——- a beach house in Sussex and a house on the inter coastal In florida and has a handicap of seven.
Looking back, I often wonder what else I could have done for my kids? But then I think there’s a very fine line between “helping” and “interfering” .
On the whole, I don’t think I got it far wrong————- just amazed me the time went so quickly!
Balmy summer weather has at last. arrived here in the south of England———- two back to back bank holidays with damn near perfect weather——— first time I can ever remember that happening !
There’s always a huge three day musical festival down in Portsmouth over the bank holiday———- seems to be where the drug dealers get rid of their product to the young teenagers hell bent on a good time. This time they managed to kill a pair of seventeen year old girls and hospitalised fifteen more.as the organisers closed down the festival.
Im sure the police know who these animals are who sell the kids this lethal sh-t ! Hanging’s too good for the bastards———- tie ‘em to the railway line just before the Gatwick Express is due!
London is rapidly becoming the stabbing capital of the world——— 68 and rising this year alone——- keep it up kids——- won’t be long before Detroit and Chicago will look like safe places to live compared to London. Guess there’s no codes of anything these days?
Days are long gone when you had a disagreement with someone———- off with the shirt——-fists up in the air——— a bloody nose or a black eye——— dispute settled ?
Theres talk that police officers will carry firearms——— we must be the last country left not to have armed police. Times, they are a changing, Dylan was right!
Just to let you all know Vicky went down to theatre a couple of hours ago to have a pacemaker fitted,that’s all I can tell you————- for now. Give you an update once I’ve spoken with Mark.
Tried to call Mark several times last night but without success——— if he was at the hospital, he would have his phone switched off of course.
Saw that he called me at 23:00 hrs last night———- I was hard and fast asleep by that time so I missed him.
Outcome of all this——- I have no news on Vicks condition.
Have an appointment of my own at Chichester’s St. Richards hospital 10:30am today, but I’m fit as a lop these days, no worries!
Bank holiday finally over——— things back to normal——- stabbings in Sheffield and Wolverhampton
500 illegal immigrants landed in Spain after their boat sank in the Mediterranean! You think you have trouble with the Mexicans ?
Its a funny old world !
Attachment 408742
All 485 feet of this thing turned up at Monte Carlo last weekend——— largest sailing ship in the world
its so FECKIN ugly it’s almost beautiful——— if the Russian peasants thought the czars were opulent spendthrifts——— wonder what they might think about this waste of time and money——— watch out, watch out there’s a revolution about!
Weekend left Liverpool supporters crying in their beer———- Ferrari let of the hook——— Froome won the Italian bike race but still accused of “doing an Armstrong “ ! No doubt about——- Sh-t sticks !
My Concept is coming along nicely——- I’m well pleased with it, so the next version should be “Acceptable”.
I know I’ve done a good job when either Roger Hinsdale or Rich Luhrs says “OK HOW MUCH”!
Does anyone out there know of a capable HYDRAULIC engineer ?
Mark is in desperate need of someone to hook up the hydraulics on “MOONLIGHT LADY” —— 50’ high speed craft with a pair of 600 Cats .
Its been seven years in the making and just needs the hydraulics hooked up!
Ritchie Powers—— where are you when I need you?
Got the all clear from the hospital——— gentle reduction from the steroids over the next few months and I’m back to normal ?
We had tropical downpours this morning, but the summer type weather is here to stay for the next month or so.
Nobody came forward with the name of a hydraulic engineer.
Boat is housed at Port St. Lucie. Probably a day’s work to get it all together——— c’mon guys——- there has to be somebody out there somewhere who can come to the rescue!
Just spoke with Mark at the hospital——— he slept in the chair with Vicks for the last three days!
Pacemaker fitted successfully—— should be headed home anytime soon!
Wondered if Peter Unwin was over in the states next week——— now there’s a lad that knows hydraulics if anybody does !
Stressful times for the whole family——- but, if we pull together I’m sure we’ll make it through!
Attachment 408787
The bank holiday weekends effort———- forty foot tunnel with a pair of “BIG UNS”——- not for real though——- it’s just a “POKER RUN “ fun ——- next one up will be a more serious effort!
Same hull but with style, panache and character——— and four giggling prawns on the transom———-
Believe it’s based on a CRAIGSCRAFT——— look out for them——changes are coming in boat design, this is from the drawing board of one of the new young designers.
Roger——— if you want it, shout now, first one ever built——— as one of my oldest and original customers, along with Rich, I’m offering you first crack at it. As always, we can work out a settlement later.
OK, so no takers! ——- slept like a baby last night——- when you’re told you’re good to go by the top doc——- it’s like somebody lifted the hump off your back !
The clown who said those immortal words——- LIFE BEGINS AT FORTY ! Never reached 86 I’ll bet.
Suddenly I got a lot of living to do——— starting with a lunch today with my friends Clive and Jane at the laughing Fish !
Time I was up and running———- things to do—— places to go and people to see !
What hydraulics need to be hooked up?
Everything——— Arneson —— trims——Gyro——- thruster——Steering,- a pair of 600 Cats——- Everything is brand new. He has all the hoses and the swagerQuote:
Originally Posted by powerabout
—— just needs a goood hydraulics engineer.
Jackie - sent a PM with a phone number - fellow in the Ft. Pierce area, super good with big stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
Thanks Bernie—— I’m on it !Quote:
Originally Posted by bernie
Right Bernie——- forwarded the details of your man to Mark——— haven’t heard anything back yet!—— that’s not unusual——— kids are prone to not answering parents these days!
Toddled off to the car boot sale this morning———- been there all of ten minutes when God decided to take a leak——— the heavens opened and in no time flat there was water up To my fetlocks, had my old anorak with the hood which is suddenly no longer waterproof for a number of years——- time to replace it methinks! It’s not that I mind replacing it——— but everything waterproof these days has a designer label——— add a “Goretex” label to-a MUSTO or HENRI LLOYD waterproof ——- and suddenly your talking £200+
Where did they go ? All the good times! The flowers And the wine——- the young girls who loved me —- etc, etc, etc.
There is a huge increase in the number of flat bed trucks with “HIGHWAYS MAINTENANCE “ emblazoned across the back——- black and yellow four inch stripes on the tailgate, and a flashing yellow beacon on top of the crew cab. All arenew or near new———— turns out these are owned by the “Diddies” or Gypsies——- Romany’s if you like. Who would suspect a HIGHWAYS vehicle was casing your house——— the buggers can knock on any door —— offer any excuse, and their in. Be alert, it’s worse than the old tarmac scam!
Daughter Sams birthday today——- managed to pick up a couple of Lalique’s a super Jade vase and a Murano bluebottle—— all for under £35——God but I’m good——— got an eye like an eagle !
Jackie.. they are no more Romany than you or I....They are Pikies they contribute nothing and take everything.
Warn the less worldly residents in your locale....Any Transit less than 3 years old with a ball hitch on the back is to regarded with great suspicion.
Well phil, I was trying to be PC ———— PIKEY’S——— DIDDYCOYS——- THIEVING ROBBING BASTARDS———— it’s usually old and vulnerable people who they go for. They haven’t got the morals or the courage of a louse.Quote:
Originally Posted by ron54
The Police over here are sh*t scared of them, Politician's who ultimately have the power to address the problem seem to ignore the existence of 'em..
The "Untouchables" didn't end with Elliot Ness.
Apparently the more enterprising elements of that society are spreading abroad, in particular to the more Pro Irish countries namely parts of Aus. and the wealthier states of the USA. It remains to be seen if the residents of those areas will be more appreciative of their "quaint Irish customs" than we are over here :(........rant over
It’s suddenly dawned on the boat racing enthusiasts who were thinking of going to the F1 boat race at the London docks in June, that they may have to take out a second mortgage!
There will be no change out of £200 for an hotel room anywhere within a thirty mile radius of London!
Man and his wife and two kids entry fee—— Another £200.
Coachtrip from anywhere for the family Another £200 ———- six hundred quid down the pan and you haven’t even bought a packet of crisps and a bottle of water, let alone eaten out in a London greasy spoon yet ?
Bernie———- Mark finally FaceTimed me this afternoon————-he had been without any sleep for sixtyhours ! Finally got Vicky home at19:00 Hours————- said he had never been so tired in his whole life. He slept for fourteen hours———- had a shower, went back to bed and slept for another twelve hours.
Turned off his mobile and didn’t take calls from anyone!
Ialways thought his business was situated in Port St Lucie————— it’s apparently in FORT PIERCE
how fortuitous is that———- promisedme he would call him today!
Big thank you Bernie——— I owe you one.
Friday again—— 1st June already——- seems like only last week it was winter, her next to me woke up and thumped me on the arm shouting “Pinch, Punch, first of the month———- its a bit of a silly tradition we’ve had for the last twenty five years———— seeing who’s the first to remember!
Had intended to take a trip up to the smoke and view the London GP———- fortunately there’s a wedding in Bouzigues that I absolutely have to attend !
I have to tell you, I wouldn’t watch the Monaco F1 GP from the Casino Balcony at £50 a pop——- so I’m buggered if I would even consider paying that to watch a series that I actually founded all those years ago !
Ah well, time and tide wait for no man I suppose———- we’ve all moved on since then——- wonder how much faster an F1 boat is these days, since we all charged round a tight sixty second circuit at something in the region of 110 mph ——— the 100mph lap was achieved at quite a few places we raced at.
I know they have a lot of trick sh-t machinery these days——- but I also know, they just about stood still on boat design ? So just how quick is an F1 boat these days compared to thirty years ago?
No comments on how much quicker today’s F1 boats are than yesteryears F1—— one thing I can tell you for a fact———— half the claims made about the speeds achieved were total bull sh-t.
I once asked a well known factory racer “what’s the top speed you saw today”? His answer was typical————“ Rev counter showed ten five, so it must have been a hundred and twenty five!”—————- “how come I finished in front of you and I only saw ninety five?
No doubt about it——- THEY WALK AMONGST US !
Always makes me laugh Jim when so called” TopNotch” racers start spouting on about their props——- props are not an exact science ——— never has been.Quote:
Originally Posted by OLEGATOR
In fact many years ago Mark invested in a “State of The Art” ——- infra ultra sonic research de analytic machine——- cost over $50,000, but the industry indicated this was the only way to travel. Move on ten years I ask the boy—— “just how good is that analysing machine of yours ?” ——— no idea Dad—— never use it “ . “So why did you buy it” I asked?
First thing people like Ferretti, Azimat, Sunseeker ask is have you got the .,#=“,:; machine? . Tell “em yes of course we have, they’re happy!
But the problem with the machine is ———- it has no FEEL.
You can count on both hands the people who are good with props—— Mark works on all size props——- he has a matched pair of 60” six blades at the entrance to the prop shop !
Never understood props. The only success I ever had working on one was fabricating an exhaust tube on a hub less two blade. That was only to stop blowout and didn't make it any faster just more drivable. I tried beating on a few bronze props but usually made them worse. I was however always smart enough to leave my best props alone.
Those little Molly’s were so FECKIN quick in their day Jim——- but like most good things there were “side effects “————- i always felt the sprint could bite me———- it never Did mind you, but it was so quick it made me nervous. Was running Lake Como one time ——- Renato has a brand new 1250BP on a 17’ ——— I had a 1000BP on a 15’ Sprint ———- I would pull up alongside Renato but I would not pass him ( it wasn’t written anywhere, and I had never been told———- you wanted a factory ride ! —— use a bit of Common!)Quote:
Originally Posted by OLEGATOR
To this day——- I still think Renato was one of the best two Boat-racers in the world!
Best all round boat I ever ran was the 17’ Molinari————Mark reckons the best boat he ever ran was the small Seebold, ( I never ever even sat in one, so I can’t comment)
GG shipped my sprint back to Oshberg after I fell out with him at Windermere when” “SHAKEY” died.
Merton ran it in Havasu——— after that it wound up in Canada in the hands of Mark Rathamell.
What was your number at Windermere ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by techteam
I have no idea———Sprint Black Molinari with white stripes, OI class with a 1000BP. Race went ahead as per schedule.I watched Shakey go under———was a practice session——-- boat just submarined. He was two boat lengths ahead on the inside——- . I just made sure I won the class——— it was a rough race———- water was too big for a sprint boat, and my heart wasn’t in it anyway. Boat had a hole in it and was taking on water so the team pulled it onto the dock. GG was spitting feathers and was not a happy bunny——— he told me I was off the team———- I told him to go buck a fuffalo——— so, you can understand why I don’t remember my boat number!
Quote:
Originally Posted by techteam
Perhaps #8 ?Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
Attachment 409052
Attachment 409053
Coulda been——— was cold as charity that day——- wind blowing a hooley and raining ! Looks like I Was dressed for the occasion———— full wets!
I always had my own number at club level. (22) But for nationals and international events, you never knew what number you would be allocated.
Attachment 409098Quote:
Originally Posted by jackiewilson
Attachment 409099
Look at the length of the cowling Jim ! Was meant to be 16’ But never quite made the length, exact measurement was 15’ 53/4”——- Course the Italians always used the metric system, so nothing was exactly what we thought it was———— my mistake——- it was ON and not OI. Two litres !Quote:
Originally Posted by OLEGATOR
This was a great boat——- never quite knew where the speed came from————whether it was the motor or the boat————- Maybe Rolla did the business with the prop———always felt at home with this particular Molinari.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob V
That was£30,000 of solid gold Trophy!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob V
Just got given all five FONDA FORMULA ONE NEWSLETTERS ——— My Daughter Sam collected them from Mark last time she visited.
Read them all through———- really interesting reading——— every detail on how it was conceived——- double dealing by UIM representatives, all sorts of things!
It's too much a part of racing history to be lost forever. So, I suggest——— if I send copies to Fujimo——— Tech team——-Azmidlyfe——-BobbyV——— Greg at Admin——— Rich Luhrs and Roger Hinsdale.
Surely one of them can printout every word on this thread ?
What do you think ?
If there’s anyone else out there who would like a copy of all five newsletters, call me, or ask through this thread.
Im fairly sure Willabee has them already!
There should be some very interesting reading latter on today with all the Powerboat events in the USA taking place————- P1 ——-F1——— and the offshore stuff at the LAKE OF THE OZARKS.
Some pretty competitive racing all round.
Beautiful weather here today—— getting ready for Craig and Jess and the three boys who fly in mid week———- might get some quality time with them if I play my cards right.
Attachment 409171Attachment 409172Attachment 409173
These are the five Fonda newsletters I spoke of earlier———- number three has the letter from Msr Bladinaire confirming the Paris Six Hours race would be two litre maximum !
Confirms the fact Fonda was racing Formula one long before OMC got their OZ series up and running !
That was before the double dealing UIM and Rolf Frohling together with OMC, and Wim Ruberg, ( The Dutch UIM representative) and a barrow load of OMC cash connived, schemed, lied and cheated to take the title “formula one” .