Written by: Bobbye Kenyon
A dynamic field of competitors ignited the waters of the Indian River Lagoon during the revived Stuart Sailfish Regatta April 14 and 15.
Following a 15 year hiatus, the Stuart Sailfish Regatta returned to theTreasureCoastwith a thrilling demonstration of high powered racing on the second stop of the 2012 APBA Inboard Hydroplane and Flatbottom circuit.
Prior to getting the official nod, local organizers were met with a series of challenges that encompassed safety concerns and environmental impact. The group stayed focused and generated a successful program by ensuring the safety of racers and protecting the area’s diverse wildlife, which includes manatees, dolphins and sea turtles. Protecting the natural wildlife was imperative in transforming the event from fiction to fact. “We put together a diverse team that works well together,” regatta president Rusty Sedlack explained. “The whole team began to gel and created a synergy that worked.”
Thanks to the efforts of an energized race committee, this fast and furious event was officially re-launched in mid-April as nearly 55 inboard and outboard teams from the East Coast Division showcased their talents. Yet, the group had an unplanned hurdle to tackle as Mother Nature whipped up a mix of extreme weather that presented its own set of negotiations.
By Saturday morning gusting winds reaching nearly 35 mph generated choppy water conditions that prevented boats launching and racing. At the Drivers Meeting, officials presented a Plan B to get the event underway. Race Director Billy Tetro advised the racers that the committee would be “watching the weather and make every attempt to race (that day) on an hour by hour basis.”
The countdown was on as APBA officials and race organizers delayed the start for several hours, while they shifted into a super fast “revise gear” that implemented necessary changes: reduced the 1 ¼ mile course to a ¾ mile-five lap format and secured an alternative method that moved the launching process to a somewhat calmer northside of the Stuart Causeway.
When adjustments were completed, opening ceremonies got underway with the American flag flying aboard a rescue boat making its way around the course as the National Anthem was sung. In a moving tribute to three racers who tragically lost their lives during a vintage boat accident in March, a trio of Jersey Speed Skiffs solemnly paraded behind in the missing man format.
2012 Stuart Sailfish Regatta 250.jpgWhen the green flag finally dropped a pack of 5 Liter Hydroplanes blasted their way across the lagoon and wowed a crowd of cheering fans during Saturday’s first round of an abbreviated schedule. Contenders executed their A-game setting the stage for a fierce three-way fight that sent some boats airborne at Turns three and four.
“The 5 litre class is such a competitive class. Most of the drivers have been racing a long time,” driver of the E-34 Gator, Matt O’Connor said.
“This is our hometown race…it’s my passion, it’s my entire life. I’m thrilled but it has a bit of sentiment also. I nearly lost my dad (Brian) here 25 years ago in a crash when he was racing on this same course.”
The Port St. Lucie resident took second place on Saturday and placed first on Sunday.
Sunday generated non-stop action with drivers navigating their boats around the ever-changing liquid track in a series of breathtaking moves. The Jersey Speed Skiff Class delivered a dancing performance that bumped, rocked and rolled its way around the course. After an amazing three second win by Gary Harris in the 180 boat, over Ron Titus, in the 47 boat, on Saturday, the deck-to-deck contest in Super Sport continued and changed things up as Danny McManus captured first.
It was the badest and fastest boats of the fleet, two Grand Prix hydroplanes, emblazoned Miss Stuart and Shameless, each armed with 1500 hp that super charged the two day event. The boats brought a pair of interesting dynamics to the Saturday and Sunday races.
In a first-time race on Saturday, George Kennedy piloted Miss Stuart and son Brandon took the wheel of Shameless in a father-son match that positioned the boats side-by-side rounding turn four. Not a stranger to the racing arena, attrition struck late in the competition as Shameless shut down on the back straightaway during the final lap.
Sunday generated a change of drivers that landed owner Mike Grendell in the pilot seat aboard Miss Stuart, while George Kennedy drove Shameless. As the green flag went up, the mega machines roared past the crowds, throwing gigantic rooster tails as the two teams vied for first. On the third lap, Miss Stuart hit speeds near 145 mph and made its move on Shameless as the boats skimmed down the front straightaway. Going into the first turn at the eastern end of the course, Grendell caught a wind gust that lifted Miss Stuart’s right sponson clear out of the water and sent the boat airborne as it went over and landed in a brutal splash. Although the boat sustained some $25,000 in damage, Grendell miraculously escaped unscathed and waved to the applauding crowd before boarding a rescue boat.
Ironically, Mike Grendell bought the Miss Stuart after its owner, Chuck “Rookie” Woodruff was killed during a boating event a month prior to the Regatta. Woodruff planned to race Miss Stuart in the event he worked so long and hard to make a reality. “It’s a pinch me moment,” Sedlack explained after the race. “It’s mixed emotions…bittersweet. Knowing that Chuck was with us and helped us all the way, I couldn’t help but think he’s with us now. The best part of today was when I saw that orange helmet pop up.”