Originally Posted by Phil M

Thank you Marco -

Hope you do find Walter or a way I can contact him.

I was there for the Viareggio race - I remember how windy and stormy the sea was - and I just could not wait to get flying to film it all - it would have been a Classic event for sure - I was always impressed by the Hospitality from all of the Italian teams - your kitchens - your warm hospitality will not be forgotten - I have many fond memories of flying from London to the various events by Helicopter - some times it took two days each way to get to an event such as Malta - and flying over water for many hours at a time, was quite scary at times, specially in a single engine Jet Ranger. Here is a photo taken flying thru the Alps in Switzerland - on our way from London to Milan, then south to Genoa and on to Viareggio - the photo taken in July too -

offshore was Offshore - in the 1980s and early 1990s - a shame it has become a circut in-shore so much now - compass's are not needed anymore - Speed was not important - it was who could get there in one piece in any conditions -

Originally Posted by Black Tornado

I remember that in 1987 the VBV had over 40 entrants only in Class 1! Years at the top of competitions!
But I'm in love with the early '70's.
The years of the Cigarette 36'. The years of Vincenzo Balestrieri and him legendary Black Tornadoes.....
With others guys like Bonomi,De Angelis,Gentry,Shead,Hanks....
I would like to see them again fighting across the Seas.

Originally Posted by TRICK

The UC section? .......oh, you mean the T&A section. I stopped looking at the T&A section when we lost the lovley Canadian charner, Rachel. :D I think her and Big Scotty are real. People are going to be feeling pretty foolish when I fly down to the Miami Boat Show with Scotty and Rach in the Lear. :D