Most impressive race boat

[Ben Mazur]

What's the most impressive race boat you have ever seen.

For me, it was Gancia dei Gancia at the 1989 World Championships in Atlantic City. To watch it come around third or fourth overall and ahead of a few Superboats after the first lap when it had started a number of minutes after Superboat class with the rest of the Open class boats was amazing.

[ciao]

When Jon Clarke drove his Phantom 25' in big seas he was good, but when he moved up to Class One in an aluminum 38' Cougar powered by twin Lamborgini's using a foot throttle - that had to be seen!

One race down in Poole he cornered a buoy as if he was still driving the Phantom, out outmaneuvered two other Class One boats and then ran past Bournemouth Pier to the loudest cheers!

My friends and my mum who were watching on the pier that day, still talk about it now - Clarke was outrageous - but damn fine to watch.

Jon Clarke in a Cougar is my nomination!

[Ben Mazur]

Not to demean John Clarkes's ability as a driver but that was a particular instance during a race. Was his Cougar 39 the most impressive race boat you have ever seen?

[ciao]

In fairness I thought all of the ally Cougar Class One boats were amazing!

[THUNDERBOLT]

BEST RACE BOAT how about a poll Ben?
here's my top 10
1 TRAMONTANA
2 GHOST RIDER
3 ULTIMA DEA
4 FLYING FISH
5 SURFURY
6 my very own THUNDERBOLT
7 MISS ENFIELD 2
8 ANNABELLA
9 MARTINI (CUV)
10 AVENGER 007

[Rupert Munro]

If we have a selection of nominations then a poll can easily be created to vote for the best. If you shortlist say 3 each and then the top ones can be put to vote!

[Rupert Munro]

I will start by shortlisting Cesa 1882 & Thruraya, I love those two boats!

[Jon fuller]

Cesa, (mono) absolutely without doubt.

[littlenige]

I would have to go with Apache Heritage. Awesome!

[geriatric]

How come Tommy Sopwith's second Cowes winner is not listed. It has been renovated and now looks magnificent.