Outboard 3H44

[Deauville Trophy]

I just found this picture in one of my old scrapbook. Unfortunately there is no text to help identifying either boat or crew. Could anyone help, please?

Also, what does the letter H stands for in the boat's number?

Thanks

Phil.

[7xchamp]

Originally Posted by Deauville Trophy

I just found this picture in one of my old scrapbook. Unfortunately there is no text to help identifying either boat or crew. Could anyone help, please?

Also, what does the letter H stands for in the boat's number?

Thanks

Phil.

Phil: If I am not mistaken that is Roy Ridgel out of Lake X. Roy was the European racing rep. for Mercury at the time. Mr. K. thought it would be a good idea to check the waters in Europe at that time in the offshore field, I would best guess the year was 1968 or 9 the boat was a 25` formula triple 1250 `s or triple 110`s. Roy also had a brother Bobbie, who also worked in Europe as Merc. racing rep. good guys. I think the H was just to adhere to the UIM rules at the time. Hope the info helps. 7XCHAMP

[Deauville Trophy]

Thank you Richie.

[Black Tornado]

I add to that said from Richie that that boat it raced some European competitions in 1967 with Bill Sirois (Naples, Viareggio and Les Embiez) and Wayne Vickers (CTC) with the name of Terri-Ann.
Look the Graham's Library lists of races.
I have some others pics of it and I will check them on my library and then I will post them.

[Deauville Trophy]

Thank you Marco.

I have just returned back from a trip abroad and I will investigate your lead, too.

PS, I got a new pic of Balestrieri at Deauville for you.

[Black Tornado]

Hi Phil,
Many thanks for the picture!
That Deauville Trophy was the last non-italian race in the career of Balestrieri.
Without Jack there was Franco Statua(the first from right) in him site.
The race was the last for that boat,the second 36'(with the central steering) and the last coming in the Black Tornado's saga.
I post the only three pics of the 3H-44 that I have.
The first one Bill Sirois during the Naples Trophy in the exhotic passage between the famous "Faraglioni" of Capri.

[Deauville Trophy]

Thanks for the pictures, Marco.
You and Richie have plugged the gaps.

To come back to V. Balestrieri, he was never too lucky in Deauville and 1973 was no exception.
I don't know how much you already know about the race but this is how it went.

Mondadori (Nicopao) was fastest at the start but was soon overhauled by Bonomi (Dry Martini) as the crews completed the triangular course Deauville- Bateau Feu- Caen- Deauville. At this point, after 37 miles the leading pack of Dry Martini, Unowot, Black Tornado was tightly bunched but already 4 minutes ahead of the rest lead by Sopwith (Miss Embassy). Mondadori was out (blown head gasket).

On the long course to the Iles St Marcouf via Le Havre (64 miles) the sea was choppier forcing the speeds down.
Balestrieri had broken his port engine (conrod & holed oil sump) and continued at reduced speed. Dry Martini rounded the Ile St Marcouf first, having somewhat distanced Unowot.
However on the return leg to Deauville, Dry Nartini slowed down to a crawl (I don't know why) and allowed Shead to catch up. With five miles to go, the two boats were side by side and eventually, Dry Martini crossed the finish line first by 4 seconds. The winners' average speed was 116.3km/h (72.2 mph)
Greenhall was third with Gee 41 minutes 36 seconds behind them. Then came Sopwith another 21 minutes later after many troubles. Although he doesn't appear on the results I have, I do remember Balestrieri finishing in 5th place.
It was a good race for the crew of Dry Martini who took a 4 points lead into the last US races. For Balestrieri, it was the end of his hopes for his elusive third World Title.

If Richie reads this, I would like to find out what slowed down Dry Martini on the way to the finish. It would be another mystery solved.

Phil.

[tigweld]

Any one have any more history on the 25 Formula? How many made? Where ine is I can buy?

[Mark75H]

Very cool! Thanks for all of these pics!

[tommymonza]

What was that hull, an early Magmun cutdown? Did Formula ever build a production version of it also?