Power boat trophy goes north

Press, 14 November 1977, Page 3

Power boat trophy goes north

PA Blenheim The Water Sport Trophy contested for annually between the North and South Islands is going north for the first time in four years. Although they failed miserably in the Queen Charlotte 100 km powerboat race at Picton on Saturday — going down 24 points to South’s 46 — North’s lead established at Wellington a week earlier ■was enough to give them a one point winning margin at 61-60. Led by Typhoon (Barry Ford) of Timaru, the first three boats to cross the line were from Canterbury. Second place went to Puma (Alan Boyd) and Wrangler (Phillip Mills) both of Christchurch, third.

The race got off to a fine, standing start with Christchurch boat, The Nail driven by Buzz March surging into the lead.

However, he lost his lead to Typhoon when his Crewman,’ Nigel Watts, was thrown into the water when the boat hit a swell. In the dying stages of the race Larrican also ran into a heavy swell which threw the big craft skywards to crash down nose first in the water. This ripped off a large section of decking causing damage estimated at over $5OO. Driver of the Year trophies in other classes were awarded to • — Rod Mackenzie (Timaru, B class), Jim Youngman (Christchurch, C); Ron Hart (Christchurch. D); Mrs Marion Ryan (Christchurch, E); Dave Lilly (Invercargill, F). Results were:

A class: Typhoon 1, Puma 2, Wrangler 3. B class: Mr Inmetals (Nth) 1. Lawries Restaurant 2, Vista Adelite 3. C class: Black Max 1, Tanqueray Gin 2, Vitamin 3. D class: Super Womble 1. Tauranga Real Estate 2. Nga Rimu 3. E class: Little) Power Boat Centre 1, Brightlings Express 2. F class: Durlyn 1, Weekend Star 2, The Mover 3. 1