Powerboat rally planned to be a gala, family day

Press, 30 September 1988, Page 29

Powerboat rally planned to be a gala, family day

Preparations for the Shell 100 Powerboat Rally are proceeding smoothly according to the promotions director, Mr Paul Larkin. The magic target of 100 entries was almost reached just before yesterday’s deadline with out of town entries probably bringing the number to the three-figure mark. No entries will be accepted on Sunday, the day of the rally. This is because of the hassle in feeding each boat’s data into the computer for the rally.

A personal computer, with a special programme, set up solely for power boat rallying, will be used. Each boat’s weight, engine size and power and time it takes to complete the course are collated to give percentage figures on efficiency and fuel consumption. It is hoped all boats will enter in these classes. As well as the two efficiency classes there is a nominated speed class. Immediately prior to being launched the skipper will nominate a speed in whole kilometres per hour

that he intends to maintain during the 100 km race. Because only the officials know how long the course is exactly, timekeepers can use information from the computer to tell them which boat is closest to its nominated speed for each lap of the course. The two less contested classes in the rally will be production and open speed classes. Boats for each of these classes will divided into six engine classes and prizes awarded for first, second

and third in each class. As well as for the competitive classes, organisers are arranging for numerous trade prizes. Such prizes will be awarded to the first in efficiency for particular engine brands, first lady crew home, the first lady skipper and the entrant travelling the greatest distance in the rally. Sunday’s activities are not limited only to the rally. While boats are being weighed in, several activities have been organised. The day has been

planned thus.7 a.m.Scrutineering. 10 a.m. Drivers’ briefing. 10.30 Canterbury, Plains Spruce Goose landing in harbour. 10.50 Inflatable dinghy’s race. 11 a.m. Jet ski race. 11.25 Coast Guard demonstration of a boat fire. R.N.Z.A.F. Iroquois will perform an air/ sea rescue. 12 noon Rolling start of rally off Cashin Quay. It is expected to take most boats between one and a half to two hours to complete the course. Some boats will take up to two and a half hours. To enter, boats must be capable of at least 40km/h. Included in the day’s activities are several trade stands and food stalls. Organisers are hoping to create a family picnic atmosphere to the day. As barbecues and food caravans will be operating throughout the day, any spectators will

not need to bring their own food. Because of traffic problems in other events in Lyttelton, the Ministry of Transport will be closing Lyttelton tunnel as soon as the traffic congests. It is recommended that spectators wishing to watch the rally, travel anywhere in Heathcote valley and .catch a C.T.B. bus from there. The Christchurch Transport Board has especially arranged to have buses regularly leaving Heathcote for the rally and return. There will be no charge to spectators watching the rally but it will cost 60c for the bus trip. A bucket brigade, organised by the local Lions will be circulating the area collecting money for the Coast Guard. The Canterbury Volunteer Coast Guard will receive any profits from the day.