‘N’ Class Fabrication (C17), driven by Ian Stirling with Alex Watson navigating, appears to be taking a ride on the back of Excalibur (C20), crewed by the French pair of Noel and Pierre-Paul Giordani during yesterday’s practice. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0632955)
TODAY’S opening race of the Guernsey World Offshore Championship will be a step into the unknown for Guernsey driver Kevin Walsh.
The host island’s sole competitor is racing in a boat that at the weekend he did not even know anything about. After a list of engine problems on his boat, Caw Blimey Too, he decided that a new one was needed in order to take part.
He found Liquid Illusion on eBay at the weekend, purchased it on Monday and it arrived in the island only yesterday morning.
This morning’s opening race of three will be the first opportunity Walsh has to try it out, which he acknowledges makes life difficult, although he retains a sense of confidence.
‘My aim for the whole event is to finish in the top five, but I will accept a top-half position in the first race because of the poor preparation.’
However, he is not the only local hope who has been suffering with his boat.
Sark racer John Guille, who will become his island’s first representative in a world powerboating event, did manage to get out on the water for final practice yesterday morning, but said the session had not gone well.
‘I have had engine problems recently and one bit that I needed to fix it got lost in the post. It is rather unfortunate because I was looking forward to my debut in world powerboating, but I’m still determined to enjoy the event.’
One of the favourites for the title will be Black Thunder from the UK, raced by father and son Iain and Will Nurse.
Will, 20, is the youngest competitor in a world powerboating event and subsequently is hoping to become the youngest ever world champion.
His father Iain is confident going into the first race.
‘We are a rough weather boat, so it should suit us. We had a brilliant practice session with the boat now in superb condition. Our aim is to win it.’
They were also complementary about Guernsey, with this being the third world championships they have raced in as a pair.
‘The last two years have been in Italy, but here it is superbly organised and everyone is really friendly. It has been brilliant,’ said Will, who is the driver.
With rough weather forecast, the first race has been reduced to a triangular course involving St Peter Port, just outside Fermain Bay and Jethou.
Ten laps will be included, with decisions on the last two races being made later in the week by the organising committee.
Article posted on 4th September, 2008 - 2.30pm
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