January 2002
BOATS UNDER RESTORATION:
Phil Spruit’s five year restoration project on the late Dal Kremer’s 7 Litre Moonshine Baby H-54 is finally completed. From the looks of the photos on his website, it was certainly worth all of Phil’s tireless efforts and the wait. I can think of no better tribute to APBA Inboard Hydroplane Racing than the dedication that Phil has put to this project. Incredible job!! I personally like the fact that Phil restored her as the Moonshine Baby for which she was originally built. I can’t wait to see the Moonshine Baby in person and on the water!
 The Scooter Too - U-10, unlimited hydroplane previously owned by Henry Kaiser and driven by Jack Regas, has been purchased by Paul Martin and Karl Hemfort of Tri-Cities, WA. Their goal is to restore the boat to what it once was. 
 Larry Lauterbach recently finished the repowering and restoration of the pickle forked 2.5 Litre Lauterbach, Gemini for its new owner Teri Hoffman of Clifton Park, NY. Teri had her maiden outing at Cypress Gardens in November. This was the first of only four pickle forked Lauterbach conventionals built.
 Scott Courts of San Jose, CA has purchased a 1962 225 Jones conventional hydro from Poncho Simmonson in Spokane, WA. Poncho’s Dad crewed on Miss Spokane. Scott plans to restore the Jones as a 2/3rds-scale version of one of the old unlimited hulls. She will be powered with a V-12 Jaguar engine. 
 Poncho Simmonson has the Miss Spokane stored in a large garage and he is looking for a crankshaft for the Merlin engine he has to go with it.
 Alan McDonough of Bellevue, WA is the current owner of the 1956 U-7 Miss Skyway/Miss Sammamish. He is hoping to restore it in the near future. Alan is wondering if there are any of the original crew members of this boat still around.  Alan can be reached at (425) 454-5028.
 Jim Sharkey is trying to find out some information of the 1925 Pep VI and the 1928 Katy Did. Jim can be reached at jimshark@juno.com or (714) 998-4551.

NOTES: I am happy to report that The Wa Wa Too, F-247 has found a new home with Vic & Nancy Edelbrock. She was transported to California in late fall and will be prominently displayed in the Edelbrock Museum known as Vic’s Garage. Vic’s father built the original Chevrolet engine used in the WA WA Too in 1955 and the then 18 yr old Vic Jr. along with Bobbie Meeks did the dyno work.

CHALLENGES: Keith Owen is trying to locate his grandfather’s (Paul Soderquirst) 135/150-ci hydroplane. Raced in the late 50’s to early 60’s under the name of Kissing Cousin. If you have information or know what might have happened to this raceboat please contact Keith at riverockt@aol.com

EVENTS: 
July 5 - 7   Madison, IN tentative Contact Joe Johnson home (812) 866-8940 or email: drummerjoe_55@yahoo.com
August 9 - 10th  Lake George, NY Vintage Powerboat Regatta
August 16 thru 18, Clayton, NY Antique Raceboat Regatta

REPORTS: I am happy to report that Teri Hoffman and myself had our final meeting with the City Officials and the Mayor of Lake George, NY. Vintage Powerboat Regatta 2002 will be held on August 9th and 10th. Tentatively the schedule will be a parade including Vintage raceboats thru the downtown area of Lake George on Friday evening August 9th followed by a get together and fireworks. Saturday will be static displays and flybys on the Lake George’s 1 ¼ mile course, followed up with a cocktail party and auction Saturday night. The purpose of the auction is to help fund the Regatta. We are in need of items for this auction. Teri Hoffman, the Regatta Coordinator can be reached at (518)-371-8683
It has been many years since the Gold Cuppers were on Lake George. The heat format will be very similar to the successful Wolfeboro, NH regatta. Lots of water time for everyone. This is a first time event, we want to make it a success. We will need boats, volunteer help, course set up and officials. Teri will need all the help that you can give her. We have the full cooperation of the Mayor and City Officials. The Lake George Community would like to see this as an annual event. 
Lake George will make a nice double header with Clayton, NY on the following weekend. Remember this will be the busy tourist season, so get your reservations in early for both events.
Raceboat Regatta 2002, Clayton, NY is already in the planning stages. Charlotte Yehle tells us that this will be one of the best Raceboat Regattas held to date. Clayton has always been the largest V & H Raceboat gathering since 1992. The event draws over 150 boats. They have limited space so getting your advance reservations and entry form in early is very important. We look forward to seeing you both at Lake George and Clayton.
Madison 2002, Joe Johnson, Contact person, has been instructed by Race Chairman, Nate Davis, to invite all the vintage class members to participate in the Madison Regatta. Joe (Close Shave II), a hometown boy, assures us that there will be plenty of space for the vintage class boats along with lots of water time. Vintage member Bill Fisk (Irishman) is representing the V & H Division in preparation of this event. Plans are proceeding. We will have more information next month.
Detroit Gold Cup, time to make your plans. This Regatta is an invitational only event. Send your requests to participate in early. Space like always in limited. This will be your opportunity to run on the Historic Gold Cup Course. Contact me.

VINTAGE HOT BOAT OF THE MONTH: 
Phil Spruit’s beautifully restored 7 Litre, H-54, Moonshine Baby.
Photo Caption: Teri Hoffman enjoys driving her newly acquired Gemini, A-711 vintage hydroplane.

©2002 Tom D'Eath