Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Marco: Well if you were waiting for a response, here it comes. I can not believe after all these years I have to defend myself all over again. I hardly feel you deserve the right to know the truth after your accusations, but maybe some of the other readers would like to know the truth. 1) I think the detest remark is un called for, kind of like saying Michael Schumaker detested all of his competitors because they came from wrong side of town, You are out of line. True competitors protect their advantages by keeping quiet, which p.o.`s everyone else, believe me when I tell you the other teams of that era hated getting beat and cryed everytime it happened, that`s a fact. 2) Bonomi was not treated any different by Kiekhaefer than anyone else, I was the employee of Kiek. before I went with Bonomi I rigged the first boat in Fod Du Lac then was offered to Bonomi to manage and throttle it. 3) when the others could not beat us with the Mercruiser equip., they all switched to Aeromarine. 4) to say our motors were better than theirs is the same cop-out they used at the time. 5) I built most of the engines while at Kiek. aero. so I knew how to treat them, It was always said that when my motors were taken apart, they were in perfect condition, others had burnt bearings, bent rods, cracked cranks etc etc, because some people who throttle are harder on equip. than others, some throttlemen are noted for breaking equip. I was not one of those. I used to watch Franco Statwuth??? from different teams, he was the top throttleman at the time, he would sit at the dock and constantly rev the motors to max RPM, like in formula one. we used to laugh and say those motors will break, and they did, Finally I won 4 UIM`s in a row all with Aero.motors 2=Bonomi 73 & 74 then Franz =75 then Gentry in 76. Yes Franz I won all three South american races and second in Sweden, Bobby Moore ran two race`s got a third fourth etc. then got knocked out in Key West, and Wally had to finish on his own. Let me tell you Marco I was there, remember what throttlemen do, And I earned every G.D------ point i got like it or not. I used to spend hours going through my motors before even installing in the boat, and believe me if I had not, I to would have blown engines over little things, like a loose rocker arm or valves out of adjustment, or misaligned pulleys which would cause the belts to fly off and burn up an engine. You are grossly wrong in your statements, and the facts are the facts, champions in all sports earn that right by proving themselves better than the rest. All engines were the same it`s how they were treated that makes them different, same with set-ups, prop selection gear ratio selection and a cool hand on the sticks, That`s what makes champions, you should never discredit a Champion, if you do you are no better than the loosers you cry for. 7XCHAMP that`s right 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie - not only were you one of the best in all the areas above - you also were one of the Classy persons on the circut - you and Bobby Bich were always soft spoken - out of the lime light of the people you worked for - you always were so conservative - like saying Awe Shucks - it just happened that way - but as we all have learned from the above quote - it WAS WORK - and you did your homework too -

You earned the name 7X champ - belive me you did - but not only did you earn that on the race course - you also were one of the best liked people out there -

From my point - you always were nice to me - even though I was new at the time - you always were easy to interview - but never sought the lime light -

People look up to you Richie - they still do - ME too !

Phil - from NNRT, Inc.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie,

You certainly do not need to defend yourself. Your results, wins and titles speak volume for your achievements in the sport.
Furthermore, as a person, you are always ready to answer our (numerous) questions and give us a valuable insight on what real offshore racing used to be.
We are (at least I am) very grateful for that and I really hope that you will continue.

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Well said Phil !!!

I remember well when I was a kid my dad used to say "If I had Richie Powers on the sticks I could have won the National & World Championships." He wasn't saying this to be cocky - he was simply acknowledging your superiority in your craft. You, Bobby Beich, and Jack Stuteville were the best in his opinion - and I think that sums it up right there - enough said!!! Facts are facts - no one can take that away from you Richie!

Look - I can't speak for the others but I want to say how glad I am that we are able to "converse" with Offshore Legends like Richie Powers, Bobby Saccenti, Billy Martin, and many others right here in this forum. I grew up around race boats and you all and I remember well what a special time that was.

We also owe a great deal of thanks to people like John Crouse, Sal Maguiri, Ron Thibideau, & last but definitely not least - Phil Lewis for doing such a great job documenting the sport on film. If it wasn't for them, so much would be lost...

I know T2X & Darren (Big Seas LLC) are planning on rolling out the old NNRT video/DVD collection soon and I encourage everyone to buy some copies - you will not believe the kind of stuff these guys used to race in! (Like the very rough 1980 Benihana where the entire nose of "American Eagle" rips off after stuffing!) The lower quality vids on OSO & HORBA are just teasers compared to what these guys will have! I know I'll be ordering some...

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Sorry to quote one of my own post but I had lost the thread there!!
Back to Dry Martini distinctive windshield.
Could anyone shed light on its origins? The Martini boat was the only 36 Cigarette equiped with such a screen, who designed it?

And Richie, having raced both with and without, what's the verdict?

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie
I'm very displeasured who you have thought that my accusations were directed you and to your glorious history. You truly remain the best one and without spot.
My controversy on purpose of the rivalry between Italian drivers comes from the acquaintance of the fact that I personally had way to see and of knowing the reasons of this. They are not to trash words. Between persons of the north and those of the south Italy exist a difference of the way of life and between characters.
In offshore there was rich man that played with their expensive toys They loved before and after every contest to take themselves in turn in the nautical clubs. And this Bonomi probably did not appreciate it a lot. As to the Romans it did not appeal to to a lot the flematic Milanese. But all this I think is not interesting to the not italian people.
About your work in Kiekhaefer I believe in what you made.
Much little I believe instead in the business political that the Kiekhaefer and the Mercruiser made. To see sure things it was not one whichever but same I when I was with one of the best Italian throttleman than all the times. Franco Statua(not "Statwuth"),a World Champion in 1984 and that it has competed and won in Europe for beyond 15 years.
1) 1970 Tommy Sopwith was regular with him Avenger turbocharged Mercruiser but when he raced in Usa was disqualified.
Result:
World Title to Balestrieri in a Cigarette/MerCruiser
2) 1971-1972 Balestrieri(MerCruiser) after a 1970 without problems had two seasons with a never ending series of mechanical problems. Bonomi and you in 1972 was under judgment for your regular engines.
Result: The American Bill Wishnick and Bobby Rautbord World Champs with MerCruiser engines.
3) 1975 Bonomi after three years without remarkable problems with theirs Aeromarines,had a forgettable season and a final discord with Carl Kiekhaefer(why?) that forced him to switch in the last race, to Mercruiser without improvement .
Result: an anonimous Wallace Franz won the title.
I,m sure that like said some italian throttleman World Champions like Statua and Diridoni in the boat first came the throttleman,then the driver. In fact the real World Champ in 1984 wasn't another anonimous Alberto Petri but Franco Statua. And I'm sure that in 1975 the real WC was you and Bonomi or Moore not the samba brazilian.
Sorry Richie but my esteem for you was and will be always very high. I did not want absolutely to offend to you.
You can you give lessons to me in this sport.
I have intentional to only evidence some facts and wanted to have one your opinion, not to accuse you.

Sincerely

Marco

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Thanks Phil: That really means a lot to me, As pro. throttlemen we were always expected to step aside and stay out of the light, I was instrumental in getting high salaries and perks for throttlemen, I was one of the highest paid guns, but shared and consulted with the others not to sell themselves short and step up and ask for the same, that was then. remember when we were called riding mechanics. We need to figure away to bring the good old days back, seems there is a lot of interest. Charlie is on the right track and I will support as much as possible, a lot of the guys are gone and few people know or care, it`s a shame, maybe we can all make a difference. You are a class guy and always have been, many thanks for the memories. 7XCHAMP your good friend Richie

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hey Richie,

I remember the "old days" even though I was a little kid back in the early and mid-70's when my dad raced with Myles "Smiley" Johns (God rest his soul) and Jack Stuteville. Jack actually came to my dad's recent 70th birthday and the B.S. was really flying that night.

Though in hindsight I did not do such a great job making the sport better, my efforts grew out of the love for the sport formed back in those days.

BTW, did you ever find out anything about my dad's old 35' Cigarette, "Conspiracy"?

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Phil: The windshields came about in mid 1973, only two were made. they were made by Cigala and Bertinetti in there boat factory, I think in Milan, Bonomi contracted them to design and build, they weighed about 80 lbs and were a nightmare to install, Bonomi was tired of battling the wind all the time, you have to remember we had no protection from the wind at all, 75 mph plus head wind 25 mph. we were shot after the races which lasted anywhere from three to four hours depending on the course, with little or none protected waters. The windshields helped and didn`t hurt the performance, just didn`t like the looks. The windshield with the blue plexi was installed on the 35` in Atlantic City race then held on wednesday`s, this was done to allow time to return to France for race on Sat. and prior to wednesday race we raced Viareggio Bastia Viareggio, made for long weekend. First windshield went to the light Dry Martini 36` installed I think maybe Cowes or Poole race???????????? not sure. Hope I answered your question, it`s my pleasure.7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hi Mike: For sure say hello to your dad for me. I believe you had the best intentions for the sport and it`s a shame how it turned out for you. One of my highlights is when you acknowledged me at the drivers meeting in St. Pete one year, I had business people around who said, Richie we really had no idea, You know I bought the boat for Gentry, we took it to Australia and New Zealand to race, then returned it back to Hawaii where Tom used it for fun boat, Not sure where it ended up, it was a fast boat. How do I get hold of Jack S.
Been trying for some time, we were very close during the good old days, he was one of the hardest driving throttle guys around, and one of the best, if you beat Jack and Vincenzo you were doing something. Best to you and your family, happy holidays. Richie 7XCHAMP My e-mail: [email protected]

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Marco: You have to understand my fire still burns and those days were spent working 12 hrs per day seven days per week, sometimes we would all go months without a day off, I was responsible for four boats 20+ engines and drives, trucks trailers and crew, and responsibility of winning races and championships for the boss, I took my job very seriously, when others were partying I was in the bilge and in the engines trying to figure an advantage. Do not misunderstand me about Franco or Suchi who I trained how to build motors drive truck etc. etc. I love and respect both, unfortunatly I heard Franco passed. For the record once and for all, me the riding mechanic won 4 world titles UIM in a row, not to mention the Italian, European, and south american titles, also couple US1`s two world speed records and over sixty career victories. I still get very serious about the sport and the people I worked for and will still defend them to this day, as you have to do for yours. 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie,

No problem on the St. Pete mention. It was the least I could do. My folks are coming back from Colorado tonight and I will be joining them for dinner tomorrow so I will get Jack's telephone number and forward it to you over the weekend. I am sure he will be happy to hear from you.

Jack is truly a great person as are Jock and Marie - I am sure you remember them too. Despite only racing with Jack for the one season in 1977, our families have remained close. They came to my law school graduation and wedding even.

I remember in 1987 while attending law school in Miami, traveling with them to Key West for the Worlds. I had a chance to talk to Mr. Gentry that day and he told me all about the old Conspiracy and assured me it was enjoying a distinguished retirement in Hawaii. That was one of many great memories.

Anyway, thanks for the kind words and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Thank you Richie and Charlie Jr. - both for your kind words - some how wish there was a reunion ala High School - or College say every few years -

Thank you both again -

PHIL [email protected]

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hey...this looks like a hot thread.....calm down everybody, we are all in this together and we all want the same thing.

Phil....we are planning a get together on the last weekend in April at a south Florida waterside restaurant that is close to an inlet. (location to be named later)

We want as many old boats as possible to show up for lunch and then let all the spectators get a real good look and listen to what this old stuff really was like.

After lunch we are going to cruise offshore for about 30 miles or so to get beyond any look at land in any direction....remember those conditions boys?

Then we will return ...in an orderly fashion, no doubt...... to land and hopefully have a nice evening dinner planned.

A place where we can get these old names together and put some plans together to honor guys like Richie, Jack, Brownie and others before there is no one left to remember just what they did.

The HORBA Hall of Fame....it will only be a beginning, but it has to start somewhere. The traffic that the HORBA site is now generating, shows that there is a real interest in this historical stuff.

Having Donzi Marine come aboard as a major supporter for HORBA, also shows the industry is noticing and is interested in keeping this history alive.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Well you´re still my all time hero Richie!! I count myself lucky to have met you and the crew of Dry Martini (aged 10)and American Eagle (12!) all those years ago when I was a kid. I know that I´m still just a fan and not a player. But thanks to sites like OSO, HORBA, and people like you, my passion still rides high. I may be just a big kid at 42 years old, but I am personally getting a lot of joy from the fact that all of this history is now out there and coming to the fore............and to hear the details from the legends themselves is just amazing. How many sports can say THAT??!!!!

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Jr,
Is CIGARETTE RACING TEAM showing any support in regard to HORBA? I understand Aronow Offshore is getting back into the water. It would be unique to learn that some of the current builders (boats, rigging, motors etc) whos' marketing strag is using past achievements would not be supporting groups like HORBA.

Reading this amazing history is great, i am honored to able to read posts from these great sportsmen!

Christian Del Collo
Toasty 579

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Thank you for your detailed answer Richie.
I understand what you mean about the look. From the front or 3/4 at eye level it wasn't the prettiest sight. However, from above, I think it was one of the best looking 36 Cigarette.

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

I think the Cigarette looked great without any kind of windshield, but I understand completely how they must have made life a little less tiring during a long ocean race. Surely it was twofold also - to contribute to crew survival in the event of a stuff, no??

All the same, I was never crazy about this wrap around screen - always seemed oversized. I preferred the slab sided shorter screens seen on the likes of American Eagle etc....

I was hoping to upload a relevant photo but can´t at the moment. Shall try over the weekend.

Great pic Phil!!

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Back to the cast of the film which started this thread.
A picture of Aeromarine IX who won the 1972 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race after many problems, like finding 350 gallons of Avgas on a small island, for instance....

Richie will probably be more accurate in his narration of a fine victory.

Phil.

PS, apology for the break in the picture.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Phil,about that 3 images of Dry Martini's cockpit the first one in colours is the Dry Martini (III),the lighter 36' of 1973. The picture was taken probably in Viareggio or Port La Rague in France in 1973 before that it was equipped with the windshield.
The other two images in b/w was the Dry Martini (I) former Aeromarine IX during the Deauville Trophy in 1973.
The different dispositions of some instruments(see the trim tabs) and the fuel switches in the navigator side and the compass and the presence or absence of the strips of Martini's colours in the dash determine the two boats.
The windshields was equipped in the two 36' white after the Dauphin D'Or(where raced the 36' lighter). In the CTC where raced the "old" 36' because the lighter one was shipped in Usa for the last races, the boat was with the windshield.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Just another pic.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Nice picture Nigel.

Just to illustrate my point that the windshield wasn't the best feature when Dry Martini was viewed from the front or 3/4 front.

Here is an old black and white picture taken at the 1973 Deauville Trophy.

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Phil I totally agree. I have never seen the boat from this angle. Thanks for posting.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

A quick return to the 1972 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes and the catalogue of problems encountered by Aeromarine IX and its crew.
Arriving in Cowes on the back of their third win of the season collected at poole a fortnight earlier, the crew of Aeromarine IX must have felt pretty confident. Furthermore, they would also have at their disposal the latest engine from Carl Kiekhaefer to strengthen their advantage.
However the optimism must have been dented when it became clear that the official fuelling point didn't stock the 130 octane Avgas juice required by the beast.
A supply of Avgas fuel was sourced at the small Sandown airfield on the other side of the island, requiring a journey on narrow twisty roads. Not ideal when you are driving a king size truck and pulling 36' of Don Arronow's finest.
When the boat was presented to the scrutineers on Friday, the team received another setback when the cylinder heads were declared illegal by the UIM. Following frantic repairs the boat was ready to race with barely an hour and a half to spare before the start on saturday.
Then shortly into the race, Aeromarine had to stop for 14 minutes to change a water pump belt. Eight places were lost by the time the boat rejoined the race. What ensued was probably one of the most impressive performance by a crew. A complete display of driving, throttle work and clever navigation.
At the Portland Bill check point, Aeromarine IX was 6th, at Torquay 3rd and at Cowes 1st.
The champgne of victory must have tasted so sweet...
Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Phil,
A truly amazing wealth of informations on the hull differences on such good pictures on what is supposed to be "same boat" but we all know several had more than one hull . Look at the setup on the air-scopes on this one, smaller scopes inverted into the big ones, some with side exhaust, different setup of the compasses etc.

Hopefully Richie and the guys who raced those days wil fill in the details and differences on various hulls.

I will post some pics later of the Aeromarine 3 restoration, getting some good photos from both Bob and Gene showing the differences in setup, different windshields location also on this one among other small details.

I wish there was a way to gather all the info written on this forum on the 36'competition cig in one thread.That would be enough for a history book.


A merry christmas to all of you 36' cigarette lovers,

Regards Joern

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Phil,to the end you have put also one photo of the Black!
Many Thanks! :cool:
However to yours interesting story on the enterprise of the crew of Aeromarine IX I add the fact that Balestrieri whom leaded the race until Portland Bill chose the route directed in crossing the Lime bay taking all the sea hard while those of Aeromarine IX chose that one cleverly inshore passing ahead. Balestrieri loved to run in the hard sea, but in that case he lost the race.

P.S. Phil, Did you have assisted to the CTC of 1972?

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

And a merry Christmas to you too, Joern. Best of luck with the restauration Of Aeromarine III. I can't wait to see the pictures.

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Marco: We won because we went inside like Don Shead did when he beat us, we also used an english navigator to help with the advantage Mike Mantle one year and Dag Pyke the next, Maybe if Balestreri was smart he would have done the same, and made a race out of it. FYI most of the time when it got really rough, Jack S. used to tell me he would ask him to slow up, take it for what it`s worth, I repeat !!!!! winning is still winning not whinning!!!!!!!!!. still 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hi Marco,

That was the second photo of your namesake. The first one was on post 25. The last one was your Christmas present!
You are right about the different navigational option. I glossed over the fact because it has been (better) reported by John Crouse already, as well as the historic first win of the Aeromarine engines.
At the risk of repeating myself, I just wanted to emphasized that this was THE instance of every member of the crew, all being at the top of their game during a race and winning against the odds.

And no, I didn't attend the 1972 CTC. Would you believe that my parents didn't want their 12 year son to travel abroad, on his own to see an Offshore race? I think the phrase: "It's not fair" was used at the time as an anwer to their decision....

When I moved to the UK and visited the isle of Wight, one of the first thing I did was travel form Cowes to Sandown and check that airfield and imagine that Cigarette being top up with fuel.

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hi Phil: Just wanted to thank you again for your interest and support to me and the teams I raced with, you have definitly revived my interest in the sport I loved and prospered from for so many years. I could write a complete volume about that CTC race in particular, people forget that I won the race three out of five times I raced it, and I believe still hold a record for CTC when I raced and won with B. Ellswick 38` scarab SATISFACTION we averaged 79.8mph, we beat Toleman in the Bertram with Smitty and James Beard in the Cougar cat. I was flown in as replacement throttleman when Danny broke his foot. By the way we beat Betty Cook as well and captured the Harmsworth trophy. I was flown over and back on the Concord which in my travels I flew five round trips to Europe, those were the good old days, Concordes and 36` cigarette`s, Happy Holidays to you and your family from your good friend 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hey Richie, I seem to recall one occasion where within sight of the finish line at Cowes Aeromarine IX suffered steering problems. What year was that?? 73?? Allowing Shead through to win?

Many a time the race was won by those who took the longer but calmer route inshore - nothing wrong with that!! Tommy Sopwith in the tiny Telstar beat the mighty Surfury by doing the same. And Richie, how come Gill and Cassir snuck by in 76??!! Did you go directly across the bay and they went inshore (my mind is fading these days!!). By the way, I have somewhere a recording of you guys with Mr K discussing in the Groves and Gutteridge shed after the race the outcome of the race. History!! I shall have to try and find it!

Thanks Phil for the pics, and Joern - can´t wait to see the restoration pics.

Merry Christmas one and all. And God bless the Cigarette 36. Too beautiful for words...........

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie,now are you to being controversial.
It goes well that six 7 times champion of the world but to say that Balestrieri was little intelligent mean to say that all the offshoreman it were. In the CTC of 1972 probably he committed an error of chosen of route, but its palmares' speaks much clearly: as Bonomi has gained 2 World Titles. It was the first European to run and to win in USA.He continued to run for beyond ten years and would have continued to make it if its doctor had not advised to it to stop because its dorsal thorn were going to pieces.
Sure in the last years the costs in order to compete in offshore were go up a lot and it did not have a sponsor as the Martini to the shoulders for being able itself to allow the best engines from Kiekhaefer. However what he had to demonstrate in offshore it he had demonstrated and it was right the moment that the young people as Bonomi took its place with honor. Single sin that the from Milan champion stopped to compete after 4 years of contests otherwise would have become itself probably the best one in absolute. This is history and not personal opinion Richie.
Marco

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Phil,you are right about the first pic in post 25 but it was well know to me instead the second one.
About the CTC I think that the CREW that fought against all odds really was in the 1971 edition when to win was the other Cigarette 36' the Lady Nara (I) with a sea of 7 in the Lyme Bay. After the millionth fallen back violent from a wave two of the three members of the crew they endured such physical damages to force anyone to abandon the contest, but they want to continued again.The only one "survival",the Commander Attilio Petroni, than Richie he knew well, bring nearly alone the boat and all the crew to the goal in the last miles, winning. That crew was composed from Attilio Petroni, Ronny Bonelli and Franco Statua.

Marco

P.S. We have the same years probably. My first offshore race like spectator,was the Viareggio-Bastia-Viareggio in 1973 at the age of thirteen.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Come on boys, history is history and results are the same. Europe-USA 1-1, call it even . No need to heat up the fires again!

Let us use some of the expertice from the guys actually participated at the era we are interested in. I assume several of the drivers or throttlemen did make a number of misjudgements, no need to call it less smart or other. And I don't for a minute believe they can remember all details, it is 30 + years ago.

Some did travel all over the world to race, some other stayed in the US only, like Magoon. Thats a fact.

But I would also like to know from Richie what happened in CTC 76 when Charles Gill with "I like it too" ex "Aeromarine 3" snubbed the victory from "Dry Martini" ? (without getting all fired up...) ?

Reg Joern

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Marco: I`m finished with this, sorry to have gotten involved, I can see it`s a no win situation with you, and what I say continually is taken out of context. I won and that`s the end, Im not going to do it all over again. 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Joern: I was with Tom Gentry in 1976, and had nothing to do with Martini. We won the UIM world championship, South American Championship etc. Bonomi racing was from mid 1972 to 1974 we missed the 1972 by just a few points and only ran a partial season, Magoon actually knoked us out of the championship, how about that. 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Joern: Ironically it was with your boat, Kiekhaefer gave us the choice, Red Vengence our ex-Rautboard boat or the new Yellow and Red Magoon boat, we tested with Jacky Ickyx on board the Magoon boat and almost lost it going out of Govt. cut in Miami, The boat basically scared us, and we decided to run Red, we led the entire race until we lost a complete drive off the transom, when I opened the hatch I could see right through the Gimble to the ocean, I nailed it wide open to stay on plane, radioed ahead to have slings in the water, pulled straight in and saved the boat. Magoon passed us right after we broke, If I remember right, I think most everyone broke, it was the last UIM race on the circuit, I think we missed by 2 points, If Magoon didn`t pass us we would have won, guess it`s the same thing Marco says, coulda, woulda, shoulda, bottom line Rautboard was the world champion, guess we could say he didn`t deserve either. 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Good this explaines alot Richie, but do not get out of this thread or others to come due to a "language barrier", others and myself need all your experience and knowledge!

My basic interest along with alot of the rest(I assume) is to undestand the history of the Cigarette brand..

If I can manage to set up a web site on my restoration project I would like it to include:
a) The history and origin of the Cigarette Racing Team
b) The history of my boat, and the records of it with the rest of the 36' hulls
c) Pictures of the restoration progress

So far I have got alot of help from Magoon,Lanham and yourself on details. This forum has also contributed to alot, lets keep up the good work!

Reg Joern

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

I never said "woulda,coulda,shoulda". I well know they are words that gone to the wind.
However stop here!
Merry Christmas to you Richie and to all those of the forum! :cool:

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Oooh, keep digging in your memory Richie, this is the stories we are interested in !

Joern