I want to give a BIG THANK YOU to HORBA, Charlie McCarthy Larry Goldman and Brad Schoenwald, for all their work and for putting on such a great event with the Don Aronow Memorial Race. Because of them I can now say that I have experienced true offshore racing. Although the Premier Performance Marine Cigarette P3-19 lost a hose clamp to the bellhousing oil cooler just 5 miles into the race, it was one of the boats that finished.
Albert and I brought extra hoses, clamps, and a few other items. After cooling the engine and exhaust enough to be able to work around them (rags dipped in the ocean and ocean water from a Zephyrhills bottle) we replaced the clamp, repaired the hose end, and we were on our way to Bimini at 95 mph. Of course it had to be the outboard bellhousing hose on the rear, starboard, staggered, engine! I hung over the side of the boat working on the hose while Albert worked the clamp tool and looked over the side for sharks!!!
I am proud of my team for not throwing in the towel and actually finishing the race. Although the clamp caused us a lower finish, I truly cherish the episode and gained a true sense of accomplishment. I am signing up for next year tomorrow if they allow me.
I also want to thank OSS, their Angels and GEICO for all their support and presence. There was not a single moment that I truly felt alone in this crossing. We actually were escorted most of the way by Angels. I urge everyone to participate next year if this becaomes a yearly event.
next time bring me along, I am the skinniest guy you know, I can fit into some pretty tight places in the bilge, and not enough meat on me for the sharks
VIP Member
