Thats pretty wild. Glad everyone was okay.

That was very intense footage. I am glad you guys are ok !!!!

That is some amazing video and I'm glad that everyone is OK. The video was very clear and the audio was clear with the sounds of the engine. I was also surprised to hear the sounds of theengines from the other boats going by while the boat was upside down. Apart from the accident, I wish all the boats had cameras like that in them because it was an adrenaline rush hearing it and watching it, with the exception of the accident. Once again really glad you guys were OK and thanks for sharing .

Go to frame 3:27 and pause it. You can see the air tank that broke out of its mount and flying in the cockpit. I would say they they were exteemly lucky on this crach to have walked away. Please put a lid on it. Thanks for sharing. On a good note the boat looked like it was running great and had some real good excelaration at the start. You will have plenty of work to do this winter.:kiss:
MD

Randy i think that was the small plastic box that we keep in the seats for stuff. Not an air tank, those are securly mounted in a compartment in back.

Dave is correct it is not an air tank. The air tanks are in the compartment behind the cockpit completely isolated from the guys. It was actually Shawn's sports drink bottle.

glad you guys are all fine....crazy ride

Thanks everyone.....the video is intense but yes the boys are ok...

can't tell for sure but it sounds like you got hit and than flipped?

Ed Smith article... The Voice... newspaper
 

By Jennifer Sattler, Voice Reporter





Cleveland Construction tames the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. (Submitted photo)

View and purchase photos
Reigning 2009 World Champion Offshore powerboat Cleveland Construction's performance in Cleveland left many race fans breathless and anticipating an encore performance.

The St. Clair-based father and son racing duo Ed and Shawn Smith, along with alternate throttle man Dave Sikorski, spent months gearing up for the title defending race in Key West Nov. 10-14.

"To defend our title, we 'repowered' the boat with 1,000 horsepowered super charged engines," Ed Smith, 55, said. "Our sponsors kicked in an additional $120,000."

Climbing into the cockpit on Nov. 10, the team powered up and lined out its competition.

"We broke out of our class moving from second to sixth place being in a different class," Ed Smith said.

On day two, Ed Smith said the boat was flawless; and the team finished in a solid second place.

On the final day of racing, turbulent waters in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean combined, created swells and choppy conditions.

"We started out perfect," Ed Smith admitted.

Exercising incredible self-control, the St. Clair team risked their lives to save the lives of others.

Known for its off-the-chart speeds, Shogun Marine was experiencing engine trouble chugging along at 96 mph; Cleveland Construction was closing in with Global Warming riding up the team's rooster tail.

The three boats' positions sandwiched Cleveland Construction, forcing Ed to make a split second decision impacting the outcome of the race.

Careful not to run over the top of Shogun Marine, Ed turned - flipping the 37 feet of fiberglass packed with 2,000 horsepowered motors.

Shawn Smith, 33, admitted he thought, "This is really gonna hurt."

Ed on the other hand was a bit more sensible, "This is going to be expensive."

Under normal circumstances, the two would just swim out. Shawn Smith said he had no problem, exited the overturned half million dollar vessel; but Ed Smith remained underwater with a rescue helicopter circling overhead.

Sikorski was on shore when the accident happened.

"I had just opened a club soda and turned around to witness that," Sikorski, 43, said.

Sikorski and other onlookers were stunned, but that didn't slow the race action. Unless there's a casualty, the race doesn't stop or slow down.

Both Shawn and Ed Smith were taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Shawn Smith was treated and released.

Ed Smith had taken in water; and according to clinicians, his oxygen level was at 43 percent - 98 percent is the ideal oxygen level. The breathtaking turnover left Ed more conscious of the collateral damage than his own health. Common sense and sponsor encouragement guided Ed's decision to stay put, gain his strength; and let the others salvage the vessel.

"All-in-all there was over $75,000 in damage. The electronics are toast but by spring we should be ready to roll again," Ed Smith said.

Now, the World Champion title belongs to someone else.

"All we have now are memories and broken down pieces," Ed said.