N.Z. Visit By Canadian And U.S. Speedboats

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31441, 7 August 1967, Page 10

N.Z. Visit By Canadian And U.S. Speedboats

Negotiations were already in train for Canadian and American speedboat drivers to race their boats on the New Zealand circuit this coming season or the next one, said Mr B. M. Andrews, of Christchurch, manager of the New Zealand speedboat team which returned from North America at the week-end.

Mr Andrews said that at least one Canadian driver and two Americans would tour New Zealand.

The Canadian driver would probably be R. Howarth, in Pixie, holder of the world 48 cubic inch hydroplane record. P. Knight, driving Bel Air 11, had proved himself as good as the best speedboat drivers in the world when he won the 150 cu. in hydroplane title at the United States National Sweepstakes regatta, Mr Andrews said. "Knight was fifth in the first heat. He had trouble with his goggles, was almost blinded, and drove wonderfully to finish at all. “Knight won the next two heats and the final—and won them comfortably. He averaged 74 m.p.h. over the five miles in the final, three laps of a triangular one and twothirds mile course, to beat the best American boats—and the American boats are the best in the world. The course record is only 79.22 m.p.h.,’’ said Mr Andrews. Boat! Holed The four New Zealand drivers raced first in the world championships at Valleyfleld, near Montreal. “On the day of the ISO cubic inch hydroplane championship there was a cross-chop which played havoc with all the boats. The rough water holed a sponson In Knight’s boat during his heat. He got a place and could have taken part in the final, but there was not time enough for him to repair the boat. “The chop was so bad that every boat in the final suffered some structural damage. Knight was so fast in his heat that he gained third place in the over-all placlngs without even starting in the final. "I am confident that, given smoother water, Knight would have won the world championship. He beat faster boats on smooth water in the sweepstakes regatta at Redbank. 30 miles from New York.

“Knight had no chance for a try at the world record. I am expecting him to break it on the Estuary at Pleasant Point this coming season. He is already within 2 m.p.h. of getting the record.” Mr Andrews said. He said that Whacko, driven by E. H. Andrews, of Hokitika, was not strong enough in the hull for Canadian and American conditions. Whacko had holed and filled with water at Valleyfleld, and had holed a sponsvn again at Redbank.

Thicker Ply “We need thicker ply on our boats and more structural reinforcing, particularly In the sponsons. That is one big les-

son we learned. Gold Mist, the Auckland hydroplane racing tn the seven-litre class, was also not strong enough In the hull.

"K. McGregor drove Miss Air New Zealand (formerly Manta), the Auckland 268 cubic inch hydroplane, exceptionally well at Valleyfleld, entering the final through points gained In three heats. He was well placed in the final, a hard race/ but had to pass the second boat to ensure being third in the overall placlngs. He came third In

the final, and was fourth In the overall placlngs, only one point behind the over all third place-getter.” The New Zealand team had made an excellent name for itself, which was particularly pleasing as It was the first national speedboat team to race overseas. The New Zealanders had been awarded a magnificent trophy by the Canadian Government, for the team contributing most in any of the many sports events held in conjunction with Expo 67.