Maritimo Offshore Race Team crew chief, Peter 'Muddy' McGrath leaves for the UK next week bound for the team's Plymouth base and some hard work on two Maritimo catamarans.
Problems emerged with both boats during the opening round of the Class 1 World Powerboat championships in Qatar. All four engines aboard the two boats came through unscathed, but minor hull work will be undertaken.
McGrath said removal and re-positioning of some of the steps beneath the hulls would comprise a large part of the job.
Following the completion of the work, McGrath will arrange for shipping of both boats to Norway for the Norwegian Grand Prix over the weekend of July 17-19.
Tom Barry-Cotter (driver) and Norwegian ace Pal Virik Nilsen (throttles) will meet up in Norway to take the controls of one boat, with McGrath at the throttles and Italy's Giorgio Manuzzi taking the wheel.
Quite amazingly, Barry-Cotter, only 21 earlier this year, and former tunnel boat champion Virik Nilsen, 34, despite their comparative youth are currently rated Class 1 offshore racing's most experienced pairing.
by Bob Wonders
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Sellicks Hill, SA
