Big guns return for TT Powerboat Association's 2nd regatta

THE big guns return for Sunday’s TT Powerboat Association (TTPBA) second National Championship Regatta which speeds off from 12:30pm.

Eighteen-time TT Great Race winner Mr Solo, who missed out on competing at the first leg in early February owing to engine logistics, makes a welcome return to competition in the 130 miles per hour category. Driver Kenneth Charles and throttle man Roger Bell will, however, run uncontested.

Additionally, Iron Man, who successfully completed the opening stage as the lone 120mph contender, gears up for his first real challenge as Stampede makes its first run of the year in this division.

Sunday’s regatta will feature 19 boats covering a shortened 3.5 mile ‘hot dog’ styled course with two straightaways and two corners. Racers begin at Cumana Bay and head west towards the Tembladora Bauxite Terminal in Carenage, turn and return to the starting point.

TTPBA president Christopher Skinner welcomed the increase in participants for the second regatta since the first leg featured just around one dozen boats.

“Solo would be coming out for the first time for the season. They got their engines back and they’ve already been tested last weekend. We expect incredible speed from them,” said Skinner.

Like all sporting events, the event will be held under strict covid19 guidelines, both on and offshore. In an effort to prevent gatherings at the shore, the regatta will be held a bit further out in the water.

Additionally, several additional measures have been put in place to ensure spectator boats adhere to the required regulations while viewing the race from their respective vessels.

“We have moved the racing slightly more offshore because we don’t want to encourage spectators on land. At the last event there were about 50 spectator boats.

“We have now increased the number of our patrol boats to patrol the spectators and keep them in their designated viewing area. We can manage it but we just want to improve on it. You’re not allowed more than ten people on a boat,” Skinner added.

The TTPBA president, who was appointed in November last year, also noted that great emphasis has been placed on safety. He confirmed that dive teams, medics, ambulances and patrol boats are already in place and prepared for Sunday’s meet.

“The racers are eager to get back out there and battle in their respective classes. It’s going to be a very competitive regatta, especially in the 60mph,” he said.

On Thursday, the TTPBA held its mandatory pre-race briefing to address positive suggestions from the first-leg racers. After careful assessment and evaluation, the powerboat fraternity has incorporated some of these ideas going forward.

Elements such as the race course adjustment and the appointment of a race marshal, Kirk Lee Woo, to coordinate the marker and patrol boats in the control of the spectator vessels on the race course have also been implemented for Sunday’s regatta.

Speed Class

A-Class 130mph – Mr Solo (Kenneth Charles, Roger Bell)

B-Class 120mph – Iron Man (Wayne Hannock, Guy Costa); Stampede

D-Class 95mph – Global Warmer (Donald Webster, Scott Pollonais); Gone Wilder

E-Class 80mph – Mobil Outlaw (Morgan Hannock, Jason Ross); Hammer Time (Robert Lobodo, Justin Keizer); Blue Ice; Hero

F-Class 70mph – Xtreme Measures (Justin Keizer, Jonathan Tardieu, Nicolai Assam); Speed Up (Tristan Cox, Justin Lennard)

G-Class 60mph – Knot in Slow Motion (Reynaldo Motilal, Kern Coltes, Elleson Garraway); Devil’s Advocate (Chad Veira, Tristan Gioannati); Hero 4 Infusion (Anthony Scott, Videsh Beecham); Soul Rebel (John Laquis, Troy Mohammed); Timeless (Kamion George, Gilsom Smith); Matrix (Jason Aaron, Dillion Aaron); Powered By God; High Grade.