KISM’s Motilal eager to compete in first competitive regatta

KNOT in Slow Motion (KISM) Racing Team makes their competitive debut in the 60 miles per hour category at the 52nd edition of the TT Great Race which speeds off from Williams Bay, Chaguaramas on Saturday.

The 25’ Cutlass Mono (hull) Mercury 383 Inboard (engine) powerboat will be driven by regatta debutant Reynaldo Motilal, veteran throttleman Kern Coltes and navigator Ellison Garraway.

Although this is Motilal’s first competitive regatta, the vessel has participated in several previous editions of the TT Great Race under the name Outcast.

In late 2019, Motilal bought the boat from a local owner, redid the stringers, riggings and retuned the engine to his liking.

Additionally, Coltes was the driver of last year’s winning boat (Team Trident) in the 60mph category and is intent on using his expertise on the water to deliver another impressive performance this time around.

According to TT Power Boat Association (TTPBA) rules, KISM, must undergo a “rookie start” – beginning the race 100 feet behind the other competitors – since the driver and throttleman have never competed together before.

Motilal expressed his passion to race his first regatta and welcomed the challenge from the category’s estimated seven opponents.

“Since I got involved in boating, I fell in love with the water. It’s unexplainable. I’ve never gotten the opportunity to race in a regatta. This is our first TTPBA event as this team. There’s a lot of opposition but this is not like a drag race, for a short sprint, it’s an endurance race,” he said.

The debutant driver admitted there were minor obstacles in ensuring the team was fully ready for this year’s Great Race. He, however, credited the KISM members for going above and beyond to affirm participation at the 2020 meet.

Motilal has been an avid fan of the annual race for many years and believes with the expertise of Coltes and Garraway, the trio can pull off a podium performance. According to him, a strategic approach must be implemented, since it all comes down to the open water conditions on the day.

He added, “We’re racing to finish, because you can’t win, if you don’t finish. We’d love to win but once we have Tobago in sight, that’s when we’ll start racing to win. We have our strategy and I won’t put it out there. We’re the only inboard engine running in the category so it will be interesting to see.”

“The race is always against the conditions and ensuring the boat makes it there. Our team members have different strengths which is what makes the team strong. Each of us are very good at our competencies.”

Motilal described his feelings heading into Saturday’s Great Race as “anxiety and adrenaline” but he was grateful to finally have his chance at competing on the inter-island course.

He also acknowledged the TTPBA and other members of the speed boat fraternity for showing good camaraderie throughout the build up to this year’s regatta.

“I have to say thanks to the boat fraternity who have all been very helpful to get us ready. Some have been very helpful, encouraging and accommodating to a new entrant. The racers, mechanics and others. Some of my competitors have helped me with getting the boat ready, given me advice and even lent/given me parts,” he concluded.

KISM is being managed by Carlene Caldo and is sponsored by Seaboard Trinidad, Onboard Freight and Logistics, Tops Office Supplies, Toppers Restaurant and Bar, Rhum Runners, Bunny’s Imports and Exports and Hott 93.