Powerboat racing returned to West Bay - here's how it went
Powerboat racing returned to West Bay last weekend after organisers worked hard to prepare a Covid-compliant race event.
Offshore Circuit Racing Drivers Association (OCRDA) held its second race of the year at the Bay with the support of Dorset Council and West Bay harbour authorities.
Saturday's race started with 17 boats on the start line but the conditions were difficult and the rough seas led to more than half the fleet retiring due to damage or mechanical failure and only eight finishing Saturday's second race. Teams worked into the evening – and one case overnight – to get their boats ready for Sunday when 16 boats were able to get out before finishing the day's racing with 14.
Boat nine, If Only, took such a battering on Saturday in only their second race in a brand new Banshee boat, that the team had to change the boat back to their previous boat, a Bernico 19 for Sunday's races.
A spokesman for OCRDA said: "Despite the rough conditions and some spectacular photos showing how tough the driving was for the teams, there were no injuries or incidents between boats, although some of the racers were sporting a few bruises and heading for a soak in a hot bath.
"Local businesses reported West Bay was no busier than usual, but visitors did stay longer and spend more. The reaction from the public was fantastic with the vast majority who made themselves known to us in favour of the event, even to the point of praising us for the measures we took to try and ensure social distancing.
"We were, however limited in our ability to remind those attending to socially distance as we were asked to move our race lorry to the far end of the esplanade after some comments that it was advertising the event."
Organisers also put social distancing signs up around the area.
The spokesman added: "In addition, immediately prior to and during racing we had four 'Covid marshals' patrolling the promenade and pier areas, advising the public where necessary. Whenever these marshals approached the public to remind them of the rules they received a very positive response and there were no problems reported of anybody reacting in a negative or confrontational way.
"We are extremely lucky to have so many volunteers who enjoy helping at our events and are hugely grateful for their support."
RESULTS
Formula SportFirst – Boat 88, Kohaku; driver Gary Aldington; navigator Nicky Spencer
Second – Boat 50, Taz A Mania; driver Alfredo Alongi; navigator Davie FinlaysonThird – Boay 96, Fat Boy; driver Mark Childs; navigator Mark Hayward
Formula 1
First – Boat 19, Smokey and The Bandit; driver Jeremy Gibson; navigator Malachy BrowneSecond – Boat 9, If Only; driver Bob McCarthy; navigator James Goldsmith
Third – Boat 922, Enforcer; driver Nick Newsam; navigator Jeremy Newsam Formula 2First – Boat 29, Racing Green; driver Rich Mason; navigator Adam Corser
Second – Boat 55, Matahari IV; driver Craig Temple-Murray; navigator Paul ScottThird – Boat 14, Anomaly; driver Perry Murphy; navigator Scott Arthur
Formula 3
First – Boat 35, Kamo Krzee; driver Anthony Walker; navigator Paula BrownSecond – Boat 15, One Step Beyond; driver Neil Williams; navigator Connie Jones
Concord d'Elegance Award
Boat 2, 66 Racing; driver Malc Dopson; navigator Tom De Ferranti Malc and Tom worked through the night to perform a complete engine change having snapped their steering bracket in Saturday's rough conditions. This was Tom's first powerboat racing event.
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