By Isle of Wight Observer
As the oldest offshore race-boat competing, Thunderstreak’s Solent 80 race result on Saturday was described as “remarkable”.
The 61-year-old Thunderstreak, the oldest offshore boat in Saturday’s Solent 80 race bested five other, much younger – and in several cases, seriously faster – Class 3E competitors.
The course which took all boats around the Island, started off at Langston Harbour. While the ultra-fast Classes 1 and 2 headed towards the Hengistbury Head/Christchurch Bay, the older and smaller boats, including Thunderstreak, aimed for The Needles before turning east to pass Hurst Castle then finish off the Beaulieu River mouth.
Thunderstreak maintained a steady 60-65mph in sea conditions that suited her 60-year-old hull form and comparatively heavy weight to win her class. “Races are won and lost on old-fashioned concentration,” remarked team member, Adrian de Ferranti, “and keeping the power on when things get bumpy and avoiding flying demands anticipation and lightning reactions.”
Bembridge-based navigator, Richard Jessel added: “Pin accurate navigation at speeds approaching 70mph is an essential component of success.”
Bembridge-based classic race-boat, Mango Crazy, crewed by Peter Hall, and Terry Parsons came second in the class.
The Junior Class 3B new boys from Bembridge, Baylan Banks and Mark Evans, won their class in Motorvated Racing and Cowes-based Tristan Ormiston [who maintains Mango Crazy] throttled third-placed boat, Class 1 Dragon AT Offshore Racing with driver Andy Twemlow.