Blue Ice anticipates 'rough' Great Race

Blue Ice cuts across the water. -
Blue Ice cuts across the water. -

Blue Ice is ready for the sea.

The Tobago-based vessel, owned by Ajmal Mustapha and navigated by Jason Alleyne, will participate at the 52nd edition of the annual Great Race on Saturday.

Competing in the 80mph class alongside eight other boats, Mustapha said he is gearing up for an exciting race and is looking forward to winning the class.

“We hope to win this year.

“The sea we’re anticipating a rough, rough ride,” he said.

Mustapha has been competing in the annual event for the past eight years in the same category. In 2019 he was unable to complete the race as he got into some difficulties on the journey to Tobago.

Mustapha said the boat has been upgraded for the 2020 race.

“We’ve got rid of the weakest parts... Basically, the power plant is the same... we’re running two 300 Mercury Pro XS; it’s a really light hull, so it’s an advantage.”

With covid19 restrictions still enforced, he acknowledged the pandemic had an impact on preparation.

“Last minute we were allowed to utilise the facilities, the water and so on to test the boats with a lot of Coast Guard watching."

The annual race was originally scheduled for August 22 but was postponed after the Prime Minister’s announcement of new restrictions to curb the spread of covid19.

However, in mid-September, the TT Power Boat Association (TTPBA) said Government approval was given for the event to speed off on September 26.

Comments

"Blue Ice anticipates 'rough' Great Race"

More in this section