Don Johnson's 50' cat
#21
Platinum Member
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Richie wrote the book on keeping a relatively low profile......
His main talent IMHO was consistency, and being low key. Aside from the 1988 Popeye's season, most of his owner/drivers were the same way (Tom Gentry being the quitessential humble owner in my opinion). You could always count on Richie for a thoughtful quote without a torrent of bombast.
Class and composure marked the true champions back then. Today's "in your face" generation could take a few lessons. Ever wonder why the true champs like J.T., Stevie, and Imprescia don't need to shout about themselves?
Richie heads my list of all time classy T-men........ he was also a nightmare to compete against......and a joy to cover on video.
By the way, he is still young enough to give it another go.......
T2x
His main talent IMHO was consistency, and being low key. Aside from the 1988 Popeye's season, most of his owner/drivers were the same way (Tom Gentry being the quitessential humble owner in my opinion). You could always count on Richie for a thoughtful quote without a torrent of bombast.
Class and composure marked the true champions back then. Today's "in your face" generation could take a few lessons. Ever wonder why the true champs like J.T., Stevie, and Imprescia don't need to shout about themselves?
Richie heads my list of all time classy T-men........ he was also a nightmare to compete against......and a joy to cover on video.
By the way, he is still young enough to give it another go.......
T2x
#22
Registered
T-Man is an occupational specialty. Since day one, there has always been a T-man in every offshore boat. Short boats, big seas, no trimtabs, bronze props, and long courses required a level of throttling at least on a par with today's rockets. We couldn't trim if we wanted to.(except for the ballast tank) Driving, navigating and throttling were often done by the same guy.
#23
I envy those that have done it & still do it. I admire the ones who are just regular folks out for the love of the sport.
The attraction to the sport as I know it really stems around seeing those that do it be so approachable & willing to just talk about boats.
When my finances allow, I'll be out there doing what I look at from the shore in Key West.
Thanks for sharing!
The attraction to the sport as I know it really stems around seeing those that do it be so approachable & willing to just talk about boats.
When my finances allow, I'll be out there doing what I look at from the shore in Key West.
Thanks for sharing!
#24
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
T-Man is an occupational specialty. Since day one, there has always been a T-man in every offshore boat. Short boats, big seas, no trimtabs, bronze props, and long courses required a level of throttling at least on a par with today's rockets. We couldn't trim if we wanted to.(except for the ballast tank) Driving, navigating and throttling were often done by the same guy.
#25
Allergic to Nonsense
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Today is a whole different story. Given the quick reactions and communication involved, a throttleman might actually be a hindrance on a calm, tight course.....IF.....you have a driver who can handle trim on the wheel and a foot throttle...... Certainly, JT, Stevie and Imprescia can, as they have all had outboard tunnel boat experience. I know you can too.......
#27
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Platinum Member
Reminds me of first intercoms we used, I was with Bonomi and Petroni in the boat, I think it may have been the cowes torquay, Cowes race, as we go to the milling area, I turned the intercom on and heard nothing but Italian so I turned it off. Bonomi finally lifted his visor and in english asked me why I turned it off, I told him I picked up an Italian station couldn`t understand so turned it off, we finally found an English station that worked.
#28
Registered
That would be me, we must have been looking at some girls, as we are all looking to our right, either that or we were waiting for the start????
When I see some of my old rides I recall all the various boats I built and raced, it`s a fairly good list. I was probably one of the most versitle guys of the time with wins in all classes I raced. In the four engine cats, I ran the Team USA---Popeyes Goetz ----- Gentry Ex Arneson boat 48`.: In superboat triple engine V`s I ran: The gentry 48` Scarab--- The Wellcraft 43` triple--- and my favorite Apache Heritage triple.With Popeyes We won the APBA championship in 1988, Al`s last Championship. The Wellcraft 43` we set a Kilo record and won the 1993 APBA worlds in Ft. Meyers, Apache Heritage we won SBI 1992 and 1993 Worlds in Key West. One day I`ll recall my Open class history which includes 4 UIM championships all back to back, God I sure miss those days and all the challenges, at least I have the memories and a few followers,thanks to OSO.
When I see some of my old rides I recall all the various boats I built and raced, it`s a fairly good list. I was probably one of the most versitle guys of the time with wins in all classes I raced. In the four engine cats, I ran the Team USA---Popeyes Goetz ----- Gentry Ex Arneson boat 48`.: In superboat triple engine V`s I ran: The gentry 48` Scarab--- The Wellcraft 43` triple--- and my favorite Apache Heritage triple.With Popeyes We won the APBA championship in 1988, Al`s last Championship. The Wellcraft 43` we set a Kilo record and won the 1993 APBA worlds in Ft. Meyers, Apache Heritage we won SBI 1992 and 1993 Worlds in Key West. One day I`ll recall my Open class history which includes 4 UIM championships all back to back, God I sure miss those days and all the challenges, at least I have the memories and a few followers,thanks to OSO.
I remember thinking it was one weird looking offshore V hull then. Low freeboard, sit down boat. Who would have thought
PS, hey Tyrannasaurus 2X, you are very correct in calling 7x a gentleman. He was very polite and put up with my questions for about 15 minutes. Compared to the reception, or lack thereof I received from some of the other "big names" at the races that year, he was downright dazzling
#29
Allergic to Nonsense
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PS, hey Tyrannasaurus 2X, you are very correct in calling 7x a gentleman. He was very polite and put up with my questions for about 15 minutes. Compared to the reception, or lack thereof I received from some of the other "big names" at the races that year, he was downright dazzling
And for the record...I believe he is one year older than me.....
T2x
#30
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
[QUOTE=T2x;2698205]Richie was always approachable.......
And for the record...I believe he is one year older than me.....
T2x[/QUOT
That would make you 38 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And for the record...I believe he is one year older than me.....
T2x[/QUOT
That would make you 38 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!