New info posted in the APBA V&H section
– safety issues and forms that you may need.
– 2016 Schedule of Events.
– minutes from the 2016 National Meeting held in Chicago last month.
Miss Merion Bluegrass
Miss Merion Bluegrass
Kirk Rogers had the famous hull replicated by Don Kelson. The original hull was designed and constructed by Ken Kimbrough and Dr. Ed Johnston. The original owner was the late Fred Rogers.
The photo has both the current crew and most of the original crew, driver and builder.
Left-to-right:
Stacey Anderson, Paul Miller, Mick Malcolm, Jim Burrill, Kevin Rogers, Kirk Rogers – current owner, driver, *Earl Wham – driver, *Robert Schultz – Uncle & crew, Frank Woods, *Pat Campbell – crew, *Ken Kimbrough – original builder.
* original group from the 1960 & 1970s.
Check out the Miss Merion Bluegrass website.
Lauterbach Unlimited
According to his facebook page, Larry Lauterbach looks to be traveling back to the Lauterbach shop with this gem in tow.
A lot of fans will be glad to see this hydro come back in it’s racing form, if indeed that is it’s future. The word on Facebook is – this was the hull that Bill Sterett had and was reworking and planning on converting to the infamous, Chrysler Crew.
Regardless of whatever configuration is in the future for this hull, let’s just hope it will be — a rare Unlimited class Lauterbach restored.
Above photo came from Hank’s photo album posted on Unlimited’s Detroit
Leap Year 2016
I can’t think of a better photo to represent our Leap Year month this February than the 3 Jersey Speed Skiffs of DeGlopper Racing.
APBA V&H Lifejacket recertification issues
From APBA V&H Chief Inspector – Rich Evans:
There seems to be a great deal of consternation at the moment about re-certification of lifejackets.
Three areas that cover lifejackets are the manufacturing standards as rewritten in 2013, the General Safety-Racing Rules, and the Vintage By-Laws Article VI Paragraph 13.B. The By-Laws may be found on the APBA website.
At points in the past, it was required to re-certify your jacket on a regular basis. This is no longer required unless (a) you wish to do, or (b) your inspector feels that your safety would be best served by re-certification.
The reference in the Vintage By-Laws to a re-certification date is made simply to establish the fact that, if the jacket is re-certified, it is properly labeled by the person who did the work.
Vintage By-Laws are found at: https://www.apba.org/sites/all/files/documents/2015-V%26H.pdf
General Safety-Racing Rules: https://www.apba.org/sites/all/files/documents/2016-GSR-GRR_0.pdf
Lifejacket specs are at: http://www.apba.org/sites/all/files/documents/2013-APBA%20LIFE%20JACKET%20BASIC%20MANUFACTURING%20SPECIFICATIONS.pdf
Redhead B-1
VERY interesting read on Woody Boater on this New Zealand home built boat (made of Kauri timber) and the man who was first in New Zealand to crack the 100 MPH barrier.
Arno XI
1953 Timossi-Ferrari Arno XI
The Arno XI is a hydroplane inspired by Achille Castoldi in the early 1950s and built by Timossi Azzano
H-45 Hornet
Great pic posted in Vintage Hydroplane Lover’s Facebook page by Sandy Ross.
I can see at least 3 modifications made to this hull….
New Year…New Calendars
Monthly Calendars are done & will be posted for the year. However, only one photo calendar has been put up (above, for January).
After I receive the APBA V&H 2016 Schedule, I will add in the dates on each monthly calendar and post the rest of the calendars. I’ll add in pics as I get them.
If you would like to contribute a photo for inclusion on a future monthly calendar, PLEASE email it to me.
Hope everyone has plans for a HAPPY NEW (Vintage) YEAR!