11:23 PM Thu 8 Apr 2010 GMT
What a tough week - as regular readers would be aware, we lost two of our own kind at Taree, in northern NSW last weekend when Aussie Brian McCosker and American Dave Bryant were killed doing what they did best, driving quick powerboats.
After expressing sympathy and sadness, there's really little anyone can say, except, perhaps, that's racing. They will be remembered.
Sadness aside, a busy week as usual and I for one, one of many, I dare say, am more than a little concerned that the American EPA is considering lifting the amount of ethanol in fuel from 10 percent to 15 percent, a 50 percent increase. As US boat owners point out, this is under consideration without any thought given by the EPA to the effect such an increase would or could have on older engines. We shall keep you informed.
The greatest free show in New Zealand is on this weekend - the Whitianga Festival of Speed - being staged, naturally enough, at Whitianga Waterways.
In this edition we have the full details of the event, but check with the website
www.whitiangafos.com
The program is constantly being refined, but there is an event for everyone - from a round of the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Championship, to fast launch racing, helicopter versus car, powerboat and jetski.
There are also tours running of the Waterways themselves - a unique chance to view these waterside properties from their best side - the waterfront. The tours are conducted from the quiet of an eco-steamer and give you an opportunity to see how the concept of having your boat at the bottom of your garden can really work. There are some great deals going for the Whitianga Festival of Speed - which can be stretched for a little while beyond. So make the most of this opportunity.
All you need to know is here
In other news, Andrew Short Marine has now been confirmed as the sole Sea Ray dealer for Australia's largest city, Sydney and we reveal the best place on the planet to pick up a used or rebuilt outboard engine.
Arizona Outboard Wreckers, on the NSW Central Coast, sells more than 250 used engines every year and carries in excess of 50,000 components and spare parts. For our American friends, don't get too excited, the company is so called because it's situated on an Arizona Road, not because it's in Arizona, next door to California. However around a quarter of its business is on line and its a rare part you need then i can be sent anywhere, even of corse to Arizona.
For fans of offshore racing, Newcastle, about 160 kms north of Sydney, is the venue this weekend for the opening round of the 2010 Offshore Superboat Championships. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that you'll find all the results, together with some classic action photos, right here on Powerboat-World.
If you stop by regularly (if you don't, get with it, this is where it all happens) you have probably kept an eye on the competitions we run periodically?
Let me tell you, do not miss our current one; you could be the one with the biggest 'smile on the dial' thanks to the $300,000 'carrot' we're tempting you with.
See what I mean? Powerboat-World is where all the action takes place, not just this week, but every week, so make this your permanent on-line stop over.
by Bob Wonders
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Double Is Pt, QLD
