Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie
That Red Vengeance(probably) it under restoration in Italy now.
The Aeromarine IX was a new builded boat or a former something powered with MerCruisers?

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Out of context again!!!!!!!!!!

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

NEW !!!!!!!!!!!

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie,
On the issue in 1972 and the new engines with open-chamber heads at the CTC, how was it technically solved enabling you to race? I assume the "legally" old engines had closed chamber head with as high compression, so did you change the pistons as well or the whole setup?

Joern

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Good evening Marco.
We will have to agree to disagree on that one. Although I am extremely admirative of "Lady Nara's" victory in the 1971 Cowes-Torquay-Cowes, I do not place it in the same bracket.
For a start, lady nara was well down on other competitors who fell by the wayside as the race progressed through hurricane wind conditions. In all fairness, the red cigarette hull wasn't the fastest on the day. However, as I said I am in awe of the courage displayed by Bonelli and Statua, both injuried in a freak accident and saved from worse fate by a quick thinking Attilio Petroni.

My first contact with offshore was to witness the arrival of Avenger 007 for the 1970 Deauville Trophy on the back of the team truck. The rest, as they say is history. I was hooked for life.

Now to conclude, here is a photo of Black Tornado, which I hope is new to you. If it is, do pass it on to the Tornado website if you wish.
I can understand your dedication to Vincenzo Balestrieri who should be in the "Offshore Racing Hall of Fame" if there was one.
However, you must understand that the incident of the 73 Dauphin d'Or was,let's say, 'unfortunate' but like the philosopher Seneca said:" there is no great genius without a touch of madness"
For Richie who was a the receiving end it is bound to have cast a shadow on his appreciation of the individual. We need / must repect his point of view, even if it differs from what you would like to hear or read about a favorite of yours.
As one forum user said, let's concentrate on our commun interest rather than on our differences.

I wish you a nice Christmas.
Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Thank you Richie, you are welcome. The last words of your message mean a lot to me.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Just had new member join HORBA today........ and he has the old 36 foot Cigarette Slap Shot, that he is getting ready to race in the 2007 season.

I invited him to the old boat get together the last weekend in April in South Florida.

www.historicraceboats.com

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

where in south hl will this be ?

Mike

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Joern: Remember I said volumes about that CTC race, well here goes, I`ll try to condense it. one of The differences between the open chamber head and the closed chamber obvious was the open chamber ran what we used to call the peanut spark plugs, they were much smaller than the closed chamber plugs. Knocky House who was rautboards throttleman ( one of the great great legends ) was aware of this. Anyway when we went through Scrutinizing, which if you have never done it, it is something to behold and experience. Upon completeion they told us there was a problem, and they would let us know what it was later in the day, I had a gut feeling what was comming, and sure enough we were disqualified at 4:00 in the afternoon, Nocky was happy as was evryone who had to race against us, they had eliminated us. Anticipating what was going down, I made some calls to friends at Mercury in Poole @ the Merc. distributor. Guess what???, he had four closed chamber cylinder heads that had been on the shelf for sometime and we could buy them, Bonomi sent his plane to fetch them, and I as chief mechanic started stripping the open chambers off to replace with closed coming from Poole, I was disassembling on the trailer going to the airport for the Avgas. Long story short!!! the heads arrived, on the boxes was the name Billy Martin special. I worked all night, no sleep, the sun came up we rolled out of Goves and Gutteridge to scrutineering, where we passed, and were allowed to race. Bonomi was filling me with sugar pills and coffee to keep me awake, I threw on my uniform jumped in the boat, did one quick test run, then went to starting line, 10 min. into the race we blew the belts of the rear engine, I had forgotten to shim the alternator, so belts ran off line, Fortunatly I always had belts ty-wrapped behind, so I went back and put new belts on, and tightened the hell out of them. Only took maybe 10 min. by now the adrenaline was kicking in and we basically kicked evryones ass and one. Jack Stuteville said he never saw a boat run that good in rough water, said it looked like a rocket. WE WON!!!!!! take that all of you. It`s all about dedication, preparation and not
giving up that makes a Champion. I want to clarify something also that many did not know, but the fact of the Martini sponsorship. They only supplied cloths, uniforms, and paint work on the boats. If they gave $25,000 per year it was a lot. Ceasar Fiorio hooked it all up, and was there to make us look like pro`s. Bonomi paid all the bills, as I was the one who wrote the checks, Sorry to burst any bubbles, but that was the way Offshore was then. It was the same with Ippolitto and Bernie Little, very little money but made big ego and scared the others. That`s all for now. 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Charlie: Happy holidays to you and your family, and keep up the good work. remember slap shot became Tamarind seed with Jack Tachinsky, teamed with Freddie Miller. and Ralph Seavey, Tony Azzara, I remember at one of the Calif. races they dumped it and threw them all in the water while testing. Ralph and I used to be roomates when we worked for ECK in Fond Du Lac He called me afterwards and was shaken up, I think he broke some ribs etc. Ralph passed on as did Tony Azzara, rest in Peace. I`m always there for you, just let me know. Your very good friend Richie AKA 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Thank you Richie....Very happy holidays to you and your family also.

I am leaving Today for Florida....please keep me posted on the funeral, wake etc for Joey, as I would like to attend if possible. Unless, it will all be in New Jersey?

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Charlie: I am told that it will most likly be held in Jersey, Jerry Jacoby will know better, he had become very close to Joey at the end. As soon as I hear anything I`ll let you know. Seems the Don Aronow thing is very hot now days, Jacoby is working with some people to do a movie, they have interviewed many so far, and actually set-up an office in Miami to field the preliminary work, said they will have an anouncement early January. As far as your stuff with Michael. I think the stories behind each boat co he formed and sold and the stories behind the scenes is what is interesting. I think also just a brief about his youth is all that`s needed. Good luck, If I can be of help let me know. Coffee table book. Also does anyone know where Missy is or Pattie Lazzacca. Somehow I thought I heard Missy had Passed away?????????? 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Mr Powers,

I want to tell you how much I appreciate you sharing with us the wealth of info about real offshore racing and the stories that surround the glory days of offshore and the effort it took to become a champion.
Back when I was a teenager in the 70's, I was not interested in sports that involved sticks, balls and bats. My life has been consumed by sports that burn fuel! You guys were my hero's back then and I am grateful that you take the time to share your experiences.

Thanks so much,

Kurt (ps. I'm a friend of your cousin, Jay Scott)

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Kurt: Thank you for compliment. I am enjoying the fact that young people like yourself and the other forum crew members, are enjoying my reality show. I took my 15 yr. old daughter to a recent Poker Run, and they had an auction where I donated some memorabilia, when they were talking about me, and telling people about being a legend etc. My daughter looked at me and said Daddy I am so proud of you. She was my good luck charm when I won 1992, 1993 world championships and 1994 setting two official Kilo records with Tom Gentry. She and my wife are also the reason I retired after the accident with Tom Gentry. I actually took one complete inhale of water, then things got real mellow and pleasant, then I thought I can`t leave them like this ( wife and Daughter ) and last gasp I believe God AKA Carl Kiekhaefer handed me the regulaor and let me live. Three near deaths. It was time. I have a lot of stories from my days as a test driver at Lake X 1967 to my career finish 1994. Thanks again and it is my pleasure to share. Happy Holidays
7XCHAMP Richie P.S. My daughter is pre-professional Ballerina ( My champion )

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie,
What a sharp memory and drama stories, keep it up after Cristmas celebrating with your family !!

Reg Joern

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie has always had the character and good sense to never say anything negative about his various employers. I don't share that quality....

When I was at Cougar in the early 80's, Richie was racing for Tom Gentry. Richie and Bobby Beich took their boats to Australia for the UIM Worlds. About three days before the first race, Richie called me and said "Have you heard from Tom?" Nope. Next day, same thing, next day same thing. He never did show. Richie and Bob packed up and came home, and took the boats to their shop. About a year or more later, I saw Richie in the complex where his shop was. He said "I think were are fired. I said "How can you tell?" "No check this month!". I think they might have coasted for a couple of years .

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Patty lives and works in Davie.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

It was an honor to meet you Mr. Powers last week. Gents like you, Brownie, Charlie and ext i can say that have lived the life i wish i can be living right now. Wake up in AM wearing shorts,tee and top siders and working in factories with our favorite type of boats and travel around the world with the best of the best to challenge mother nature
once again it was an honor to meet you and i hope you can continue to share with us young bucks stories of how REAL offshore racing was

Mike

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie it´s great to hear your stories. You´re going to have to write that book(!). Happy Holidays to you, Alison and Samantha. I look forward to the day when I can buy you a beer and hear you tell some more offshore tales in person!!

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

The beautiful Martini boat in JPS colours.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

The official Press photo (minus the greeting!) of the launch. Ros Nott and Pippa Neil Mee in the foreground. In the end they chose not to use the boat for the World Championships, choosing a (gulp) Formula hull instead. Why - I don´t know.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

One of the old classics seen at Cowes a few years back, currently located on the River Hamble I think.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie - you were robbed!!! Should´ve been a certain cig 35 sat on the winners berth in ´76!!

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Sorry guys - just making the most of the fact that I can post pics at the moment!! (not always possible from the side of a spanish mountain!)

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Just one word to had Richie: GREAT!

I found this picture of American Eagle before the 1976 Dauphin d'Or. Is it you in the engine bay?

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

No: It`s Bobby Beich who rode in all the races with me as navigator.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Like we say you can`t win them all, it`s the big picture,UIM world champion 1976 we brought the trophy back to America for the Bicentenial year. A story !!!!! Tom tryed hiring me for three years to run with him for the World Championship, the reason I was not interested is that he always wanted to run some hot Calif. motors, and his own brand of boat etc. Finally we sat down and he said just write down how much you need to make and we`ll go racing, and you can run whatever equip. you want, Richie it`s your ball game, and the rest is history. Best to you and loved ones for the holidays, from your good friend 7XCHAMP.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

This was a stock 36`side-by side non-race boat, and that`s Ralph Martin in Key West, he named all his boats the dealer.
The Dry Martini is in Hamble somewhere, I saw it a few years ago when I visited on a tour for Sealine boats. Wonder if it`s still there. They really hacked it up to make a pleasure boat, but I`m sure she could be salvaged and restored to original, Maybe I should start that as my next business venture, Do you think people would pay like they do for Classic car restorations ????????????? 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Thaks Richie.....yeah, I know about the movie, they have called several times and I set up a date for a sit down interview after the first of the year.

Thanks for the input with the Don project, we are getting a lot of good ideas from a lot of sources.

Got to run for the plane.

Charlie

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Richie,

Of your 7 titles, is there a favorite one?
Also, you have been privileged to run (and win) under the old format where you had to collect points from races all around the world and the revised version where continental champions met at a single venue. Which format did you prefer?

Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Phil: They were all great, and I have many stories about each one, but right now we are having our Christmas party, I will write more adventures after Christmas. Happy holidays to all from 7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hi Phil,
Many Thanks for the colour picture of the Black (II). It is original and beautiful.
I don't know if will be put on the site of the Tornado Racing Team because depend of the owner Alex Balestrieri.I'm only collaborated for some pictures only.
About the "unfortunate" behavior of Balestrieri after the Deauville Trophy of 1973 you are right. Maybe he make that because thus stressed from two seasons where also being always protagonist in the contests he was forced to bads placings because of too many mechanical problems.
Surely that episode was the turn point of him decline.
About the Lady Nara,I think that in 1971 the Bonelli's team(Firebird Racing Team) was little competitive because they testing the new ignitions of Lucas for all the season without success ,apart the CTC. In 1972 with a new 36' and the engines ok the team won the European Title,but Bonelli didn't want to continue in offshore competitions in 1973.
At last about Richie Powers I think that I have respected always and will respect his point of view like everyone in the forum.
Richie is a legend full of experience and success.
We differs in some point of view but it's normal in a quiet discussion.
To complicate all is my bad english and for that I'm sorry with everyone find difficult to understand me.

Have a nice Christmas and Happy New Year to you Phil,and everyone in the OSO!

Marco

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hey Fellas Check out the Ocean City OPA Race archives from September of 06 You'll See Bounty Hunter an Original 36' from the seventies. Original Paint Original Billy Martin on the Go Sticks.

Jr

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Hi everyone,

The same link that offered the 1972CTC has also the 1976 race.
http://media.boatmad.com/gallery/v/m...CTC76.wmv.html


Phil.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Ooooh, what a cristmas present, looking at the #69 "I like it too" ex "Aeromarine 3" winning(with a better than other navigator onboard), thanks for showing the link Phil, I'we been looking for this video a long time.

Only thing missing now is some good videos from 72 and 73 in the US-circuit seeing the boat live as Aero 3 as a New Years present.

Reg Joern

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Can anyone give some history on this 36?
http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-13538.html

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Stormrider: I personally ran and/rigged all the Aero. boats, of which there were only four sold to Kiek. three 36`s and a forty. Original 36` was a red and white boat, Magoon raced when Kiek. started Aero. up on the hill in Fond Du Lac, That boat is believed to be Marc Berman BAM boat. the Newer 36` yellow and red light weight is in Norway with Joern from these threads, and was bought by Charles Gill in England, I brokered the deal, third boat was Aeromarine IX I built and raced for Bonomi, last was the 40` Red and Yellow for Diamond Don. I looked at the boat pictures in question, and the boat is absolutly gorgeous. What throws me off is the cockpit space, it`s to big for a race boat set-up, to get that much space you would have to move the bulkhead back, which would be major, also apears motors are short stagger which would give more space in cockpit. The trim tabs look original as they were the old fabed and welded tabs we used to make with the outboard cylinders, the rear steering was obviously added later, as that boat had the steering with the old Ride Guide cables and GM slave cylinder. The fuel caps are Kiek. which says the boat was rigged by someone close to Kiek. Bobby Moore rigged a stagger 36` for a Chuck Johnson which was similar, but I don`t think he would use those filler caps. Only other boat I can think of especially in Ohio area was done by Gil Lieber, and Mel Riggs both close to Kiek. and equip. and Gil always wanted the tricked out stuff. Last the orange/red engine room was reminiscent of the later Black Tornado boats by Stuteville and Moore. I know this does not answer, but makes for food for thought.7XCHAMP

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

thanks 7x. Seems like a cool classic to own.
If it is a Riggs boat, it should be solid.
Although its not a true 3man setup, it would be more recreational freindly.

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Where can I find this info/the pics??!!!

Re: 36 Cigarettes racing back in the days
 

Yes I believe there´s a market for a restorer but as a business not really.
The Craftsmen that at least here in Scandinavia, US & Canada restore 6/8/12-mR sailboats and wooden raceboats are mostly one or two person enterprises.Not much to go after in my opinion.
Engine building and Rigging well that would be something else..and prolly more your forté. I´d stick to that If I were you plus testing of course.