Dutch scientists have discovered that a certain fungus protects wood from rotting if the wood is coated with olive oil.
Editor’s Notes: I always read through these “studies” with reservations. Linseed oil was a main ingredient in outside coatings (marine, deck, fence, siding, etc. ) for centuries (the “oil” in many oil-based coatings). For 20+ years I’ve been using these water-based coatings on my WR Cedar siding on house and they seem to protect the siding well. The decks – not so well…but I’m no expert in this stuff.
Guido Ermanno Romani stated, “the hydro arrived in GERMANY in 1946 and owner was a USA military man. Probably the first 3 point hydroplane that arrived in Europe.
Collected for many years in ITALY. Today it resides in France”.
From the UK website of Longbow, their October update talks about the wood and epoxy being used in the build. We thought it is an interesting article we think most will enjoy reading. Longbow is a jet engine powered hydroplane being built in the UK. The British Team, which some members helped in the Bluebird being brought back to life, along with a serving British Military pilot at the helm, are building the hydroplane.
At the new Dayton Motor Boat Racing Association’s event last month at Caesars Creek, Ohio there was quite a neat photo opportunity (which Phil Kunz took advantage of) as both Justa Pest boats were there. You’ll note both boats have the same name and number.
In the foreground is Rick Beatty in his Justa Pest III and in the background is Bill McTague in his Justa Pest II. Both were originally owned and campaigned by Gene Benning from Piqua, Ohio and both are Jones hulls. The cabover was built by Ron Jones in 1969 and the conventional was built from Ted Jones plans in 1965.
This is the first DMBRA race event held since the 1999 race at the Hydrobowl in Dayton, Ohio. The event was a combination of both Current and Vintage. Congrats to the DMBRA group for putting on this event after a 19 year hiatus.
Around 25 Race Program covers added to the Race Programs page.
I really enjoy looking at these. These covers were usually put together with good-looking artwork, graphics and photos. They truly give a neat historical look into our sport’s past racing regattas.
Many thanks to Bob ‘Pappy’ Moore and Bill DeGlopper for making copies of their program covers!
The “5 To The 5” is sorry to announce that due to Ohio river flooding, the Madison Vintage Thunder for this coming weekend has been officially CANCELLED.
Currently, the river is nearly up to the regatta judges stand and the pit/crane area is underwater. Additionally, the river is not expected to lower in time for the event that was scheduled for this coming weekend Sept. 22 & 23.
We appreciate every ones support and we apologize for any inconveniences. We hope that everyone can understand that sometimes Mother Nature has different plans. And should there be any question, the answer is, yes… we are already working on next year’s event ! We hope you will attend in 2019!
R. Harsin, 9-17-2018
Announcing the third annual Madison Vintage Thunder – hydroplanes in Madison, Indiana.
A few vintage hydroplane owners formed a club called “5ToThe5”. This group will put on the third annual “Madison Vintage Thunder”. With support of the Madison community, the group obtained the A.P.B.A. sanctioning necessary to sponsor vintage hydroplanes on the Ohio River. The event sponsors are expecting between 40 to 50 hydroplanes this year to provide spectators with hours of hydroplane action on the water.
Everyone is invited to the Madison, Indiana riverfront on both Saturday and Sunday, September 22nd and 23rd.
FREE Admission for the public (donations will be accepted).
Mark Johnson grew up in the New Jersey area. Early on he exhibited a keen interest in race boats, engines and all the details of competitive racing. He started racing when he was 14 in the T boat class in 1975. Teamed up with his Dad, he enjoyed immediate success and they won national championships and high point titles in that class. As he grew older Mark became very adept not only in all the hydro classes but in the Jersey Speed class as well. In 2000, he won the summer nationals in 3 separate classes on the same weekend in Hampton, Va. At years end, Mark was inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions. In 2002 at Decatur, Illinois, Mark piloted the Barker’s Rewinder to the summer nationals title. Later, the team won the eastern divisionals and UIM World championship. Which earned Mark another induction into the APBA Hall of Champions. He continued to drive the Rewinder, winning the Summer Nationals in 2003 and 2008.
In his later years, he also participated in the Vintage & Historic division as driver in the JSS class.
While a resident of Grand Island, Mark became involved as a worker in the pits for the NFBRA Thunder on the Niagara annual races . Mark was a superb driver on the course and a true sportsman. He was always there to help anyone in need in the racing community.
Hi there, my name is Julianne. I’m doing some internet searching for a friend who just acquired a boat last week. It’s completely aluminum, and we were told it was built in 1953, but we don’t know for sure. By any chance would anyone have any clues for me? Julianne
