From – California Speedboat Association’s Facebook page
The “Flying Crutch” owned by Dan and Casey Arena of Petaluma, CA, this 19 ft. hydroplane was built in 1952 by Dan’s father Gene. Designed by Dan’s uncle, Dan Arena, she is a smaller version of his design for the 30 ft. unlimited, MISS US 1 that set the world’s record in 1962 for piston-powered, propeller-driven boats at 200 mph. The Arena brothers’ 7 Liter hydro, equipped with a supercharged 331 cu. in. Chrysler-Hemi was ready for competition when driver Gene Arena was stricken with Polio. FLYING CRUTCH became the boat’s name and she was the inspiration for Gene in his quest to return to the driver’s seat. Although Gene recovered, he did not race again. The hydro, in storage for nearly 60 years, is now undergoing restoration.The “Flying Crutch will be at Big Wake Weekend.Skip A Long of California, once owned by CSA member Stanley Dollar is rumored to be attending Big Wake Weekend.Shanty II, Unlimited hydroplane built in 1958 with owner Steve Wilkie pictured in the cockpit will represent CSA on December 18 in Sacramento at a press conference promoting Big Wake Weekend.
