The year was 1976, and the boats shown here were the 38 foot Bertram driven by Sammy James, the head of theīertram racing program, and a 35 foot Cigarette driven by Tom Gentry who would go on to win the World Championship that year and return the honor to the United States. This boat looks very similar to the British ocean racer Thunderbird Formula even tried an Italian design. Cabins and lifelines on the deck were a very common Offshore racing with Dick Genth, the president of the company the primary driver.Īnother example of early Thunderbird Formula race boat. In the early days Thunderbird was very active in Thunderbird was the company that was merged with Formula. Helicopters were very much a part of racing in those days the banana boat co helicopter is shown closest to the boat. Years later after the Top Gun movie came out, the name Top Gun was given to the pleasure version of this It was a 35 Cigarette that was stretched to 37.6 feet. ![]() HORBA board member Bobby Saccenti was the throttleman on this boat. Using two Ford 351 Cleveland blocks forĮngines, this boat always had more than enough power to beat the competition.Ījac Hawk with Jerry Jacoby. Lil Rhino was the top of the Sports class field in the mid 70's. Were very well made and brought home a lot of trophies. Two 29 foot Scarabs from the shop of Larry Smith are shown here competing in the production class. Navigator and Richie Powers as Throttleman and resident expert on the Kiekhaefer engines used to power the boat. They kept the same crew that Gentry had used, Bob Beich as A year later Joey Ippolitto and Bernie Little teamed up with Budweiser sponsorship and moved Joey up to Open Class. In 1976 Tom Gentry won the World Championship driving this 35įoot Cigarette. Joey Ippolitto driving the ex Tom Gentry boat. Western run, away from Key West heading for the turn boat anchored at Dry Tortugas. We encourage members to submit any additional personal photos or stories for posting, so that all segments of this valuable Offshore Racing History will never be lost.īetty Cook flying her 38 foot Scarab on her way to her first World Championship in 1977. If you see one of your pictures or articles on the site, please contact us so that we may give Photos and articles that may be reproduced here, as the material goes back over 40 years. It has been impossible to track down original owners of ![]() ![]() John also acquired the complete photo libraries of Sal Maugeri and Ron Thibideau after their deaths and their work is included on this site. John was THE historian covering this sport for many years and is the author of SEARACE The bulk of it came as a generous donation of material to HORBA from John Crouse. Historic Offshore Race Boat Association - GalleryĪ lot of this content came from the personal collection of Charlie McCarthy and some of the other board members.
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