Tricks that old racers get up to after retirement

[Amberjack1234]

Attachment 509105

Whilst i was cobbling this latest figment of my imagination, my mind wandered [as it often does] to past—present,and future of powerboat racing as we know [or knew] it.
Latest thoughts i have on this is the simple fact that the one constant remains throughout
THE OSPREY RESCUE TEAM !!!!!!!!
Over the years i have wined and dined with them —fought with them —shopped with them —-played with them . Watched them grow from a club rescue team to the worlds finest life saving team on the water.
Seen the kit grow from being „“ADEQUATE“ to „“ESSENTIAL“ personel grow to include professional divers —paramedics —doctors — purpose built life saving water craft.
What we now have has taken fifty years of nonstop research and development to reach a standard to which no other rescue team can compare.
I have known almost every one of these guys that were involved with the team since its inception —right from Georgie Bell who dug into his own pocket to get it off the ground. Stew Stripp who sponsored them through the rough times — Freddi Miles who „“INVENTED“ the drop down ——-David Parkinson who FERNAGLED motors out of Mercury Marine and E.P. BARRUS.
Not forgetting some of the original OSPREY TEAM MEMBERS which include PETE HOY—-LEEK—-DOGBREATH and RU.—- STEW STRIPP—-ANDY NEWTON—MALCOLM —NOOKIE—-TERRY—-BOB REYNOLDS . Please forgive me for leaving some of them out . Wasn’t intentional—just old age and forgetfulness creeping up on me !!
Would be difficult to find a more motley mob anywhere —- but as a driver i always felt better taking to the water if they were around.
THOUGHT I MIGHT JUST FERNAGLE AN OSPREY TROPHY FOR THE WORLD FI SERIES —Simply let them decide who would be the recipient ???????

Obviously you’ve never heard of the world famous Caribbean club para rescue team.They were able to save many drunken boat racer from the embraces of a friendly manatee in the warm tropical waters of Key Largo. This well trained crewThey were able to save many drunken boat racer from the embraces of a friendly manatee in the warm tropical waters of Key Largo. This will train crew consisted ofA 14 foot leaky Aluminum Jon boat crewedBuy two or sometimes three of the soberestBuy two or sometimes three of the soberest spectatorsWe could muster. They were called Para Because they had a para Oars no not whores.On the occurrence of any type of incident involving the participants of the raceOn the occurrence of any type of incident involving the participants of the race this untrained crewWould jump into action sometimes in the boat sometimes not in the boat nevertheless they would proceed rapidly to the scene of the accident blowing a loud whistle to scare away the friendly manatees properly equipped with old kapok life preservers and a bottle cheap rum they would proceed to try and revive the unlucky participant. Needless to say sometimes they lost one or two. But I’m here to happily report some 50 years later it never stopped the races or the party That was outlaw racing at the Caribbean Club in Key Largo Florida

[Amberjack1234]

Jackie don’t take me seriously I’m just recalling some fun we used to have and I’m not trying to make any fun of the rescue teams of races as we all depended on them for the very thing that we didn’t want most of that was a crash involving injury or Worse. Without these dedicated individuals boat racing would not have gone So I salute all the professionals that helped throughout the years at all the races.

[jackiewilson]

Jackie don’t take me seriously I’m just recalling some fun we used to have and I’m not trying to make any fun of the rescue teams of races as we all depended on them for the very thing that we didn’t want most of that was a crash involving injury or Worse. Without these dedicated individuals boat racing would not have gone So I salute all the professionals that helped throughout the years at all the races.

Charlie i a not taking you any which way but loose !!!!!! I never worry about sanity —was never taught in my class —-or at work. Happens to be something you either have or dont ! Dont never take my friends or enemies seriously —- i just go along behind them picking up the nuts -bolts and washers that they leave by the roadside as they pass my way.

[Lake X Kid]

Jackie don’t take me seriously I’m just recalling some fun we used to have and I’m not trying to make any fun of the rescue teams of races as we all depended on them for the very thing that we didn’t want most of that was a crash involving injury or Worse. Without these dedicated individuals boat racing would not have gone So I salute all the professionals that helped throughout the years at all the races.

Compared to the rescue teams in automotive $$$$$ races, boat racing is underfunded. And the boat rescue volunteers/professionals reflect that.

Having said that, the Nascar and Indy circuits, are exemplary role models regarding their rescue teams.
Will boat racing ever match their professional rescue status ... I say no, but it's a motivating goal. And boat racers will be the better for it.

[jackiewilson]

Then you have never seen the OSPREYS IN ACTION Roy. There is absolutely no other rescue team anywhere else in the world that can compare to these guys. They have always been underfunded but have somehow managed to survive . Friends in high places —a word in somebody‘s ear —volunteers who were never short of a bob or two somehow managed to find the funds to keep the show on the road . Ask any driver who he wants looking out for his welfare on the water and the answer will always be the same —-THE OSPREYS.
When you‘re upside down and underwater . All the fancy uniforms — shiny vehicles and a healthy bank balance dont count for a hill of beans .
Ability—-split second decisions —dedication ——-with a passion for boat racing are the only thing that counts . Getting the driver out of a situation is the only thing that matters .

[jackiewilson]

Today is crunch day. Miles Jennings is coming to collect the trophy he commissioned me to do. It was all his idea , a mono hull mounted on a base . That was basically the brief .
Did rough up a couple of early images for him which were not exactly what he wanted . Then a couple more which finally made the grade .
Mount was the stumbling block. I somehow never quite achieved what he had in mind , but i think i finally started to read from the same sheet as he was on.
Result is -he‘s collecting the MILES JENNINGS TROPHY this morning [if it comes up to muster] . So fingers crossed that i can make him a happy man.

[jackiewilson]

“Yes -Yes and another FECKIN big Yes. MILES JENNINGS TROPHY came up to muster ——-passed all the tests plus an invite to the Cowes/Torquay dinner at the SQUADRON. Tonight…
Had to pull out the monkey suit and tie [ the one i had made in Singapore by JIMMY in change alley thirty years ago. Still managed to squeeze into it . You just know i will milk this news cow till she screams STOP!!!!!!

[GENE LANHAM]

“Yes -Yes and another FECKIN big Yes. MILES JENNINGS TROPHY came up to muster ——-passed all the tests plus an invite to the Cowes/Torquay dinner at the SQUADRON. Tonight…
Had to pull out the monkey suit and tie [ the one i had made in Singapore by JIMMY in change alley thirty years ago. Still managed to squeeze into it . You just know i will milk this news cow till she screams STOP!!!!!!

​Please say HELLO to all the 'Tolls'!!

[Lake X Kid]

Even British icon James Bond would be envious of this car maneuver.

[Lake X Kid]

... OFF meeting —all the old farts cry poverty and most have them have either acquired a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost or a race boat concept.
Rich LUHRS —-Silver Ghost.
Gary Stray—-Silver GHost.
Scotty B.——-Silver Ghost
Billy Seebold—-Silver Ghost.
Ted Boyd—— Switzer Wing
Gene LANGHAM——-Switzer Wing
Cadillac Mc Daniel——Diamond Geezer
Steve SIROIS —. Trophy.
Odell Lewis —- He has Mona Lou and more besides.
Charlie O’NIEL— Switzer wing.

Thats just a random selection of the old farts who have at least one or two of my CONCEPTS . ONE THINGS FOR ABSOLUTE BLOODY CERTAINCY THERE AINT GOING TO BE A LOT MORE !!!!!!!!!!!

Is it time to present someone in the Royal Family with a concept model.
And then receive British prominence country wide.

[FUJIMO]

...congradulations on that commission jackie...

[jackiewilson]

...congradulations on that commission jackie...

Well it finally happened —i made the hallowed halls of The squadron —without a doubt the worlds most elite boating club . 21 cannons are enscosed along the battlements . One way in , through iron gates with two bloody huge security guards . Dont even think about entry without an invitation.

[FUJIMO]

[jackiewilson]

That was quite a few years ago——bought it as non runner at the car boot sale to use as a pattern for the one i FERNAGLED out of an ash log and sent to canada. Never did hear if he finished the guitar.

[jackiewilson]

Came as a bit of a shock to learn that the big cheese at THE SQUADRON was a good friend of mine from over fifty years ago.
Trophy was shown to the diners at the end of the dinner „“GAVE A GOOD ACCOUNT OF HERSELF“ !!!!!!
Will be awarded for the most outstanding performance during tomorrows COWES/TORQUAY race .
Biggest shock was realising i knew so many of the TOP BRASS at the dinner .
Was a moment when one of my very oldest friends shook my hand and said
„“JACKIE, YOU FINALLY MADE THE SQUADRON“ EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN THE EMOTIONS RUNNING THROUGH ME AT THAT MOMENT.