Mr Solo aim for another Great Race victory

Plex

THE 41st edition of the immensely popular Carib Great Race takes off today with 23 boats making their way from Pier I, Chaguaramas to Store Bay, Tobago.

The inter-island race will be conducted with the now customary staggered start with the slower boats taking off at 7 am and the more powerful vessels from the ‘M’ class leaving at 8 am. Garth Marshall, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Power Boat Association, stated that the water was calm leading up to the race but is unsure what the conditions will be today. Sixteen-time winner Mr Solo set a course record of 58 minutes in 2005 and will be going for a hat-trick of titles after victories in 2007 and 2008. If conditions are perfect, the faster boats like Mr Solo and Fujitsu Fury are likely to lower the 58 minute mark.

Marshall pointed out that his organisation was tying up all loose ends yesterday but declared that everything was on schedule for a smooth running of the race.

All safety precautions and measures have been put in place with helicopters, divers, patrol boats, paramedics and hospitals on standby in the event of any unfortunate incident.

Boating enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of the competitors at Pier I or take up vantage points at the Foreshore, Maracas Bay or Matelot. Hundreds are expected to line the beach at Store Bay to welcome the winners as they cross the finish marker.

The annual beach party gets underway immediately and continues until 5 pm with disc jockeys and live entertainment. The party moves to The Shade for thriller Night with 2-4-1- specials on Carib all night. And on Sunday the climax to the Big Easy Weekend takes place at Dwight Yorke Stadium with a Boat, Car Show and After Party. Lone racer in the ‘C’ class Rage will be tested this year with new entrant Rush pursuing her for glory. Rage, a 38ft Formula II hull is powered by 600cc Chevy inboards with 1500 horsepower.

The boat is driven by Riad Shakeer and navigated by Steve Ghany. Jeffrey Simmons is the throttleman.

Rush is a Bowen 38’ hull, boasting two Chevrolet V-8 engines with 1400hp. The boat is driven by Alan Rouse with Sheldon Edghill navigating and Larry Edghill working the throttles.

Newsday

Zandolie · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 12:06 pm Post subject:

So who have pics??...what's the latest..solo win!?
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Plex · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 2:42 pm Post subject:

Some pics have been posted already in facebook by Dewayne Thomas. Not sure who won yet.

Plex · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 2:46 pm Post subject:

Just heard Solo won.