Rough Conditions Tested Boats

A strong south-westerly wind shipped up heavy chop to make the going tough for competitors in power boat races organised by the Monaco Boat Club and the power boat division of the Nelson Yacht Club. Indeed the first race, a handicap event, had to be cancelled because of boats and drivers being knocked about. The open race was held over a shortened course inside the harbour. Houston Motors Charger I (Andrew Harding and Peter Mytton) won the race from Plylite En Bee (Tony Shuttleworth and Ross Hood) with Miss Suzanne II (Denis Chambers and Lynn Cotton) third.

Almost hidden by self-created spray is Plylite En Bee. Protruding from the welter of foam is the craft's nose

The winning crew: Andrew Harding and Peter Mytton

Charger I hurtles out of a turn

Charger I almost leaves the water on the way to winning the open race. It appears that Peter Mytton is adjusting one of the 120hp motors

Tony Shuttleworth and Ross Hood relax after taking second place

Peter Batten's Miss Suzanne Ii, driven by Denis Chambers, hurls high off the water leaving a trail of flying spray as she goes

Plylite N.B. 's water intakes failed and the ballast tanks in the bow emptied. So Tony Shuttleworth and Ross Hood had a bouncing time over the 15-mile race

The Logan Motors entry, Carissima, surges around a beacon. In the foreground officials huddle in a boat. The strength of the wind is indicated by the amount of spray being lashed into the air

That's a mighty big hole in the windscreen of Dee-J-Dee. And hanging onto the craft is the chap who put it there. Peter Dayman was hurled through the screen in the handicap race. Result: A broken windscreen and a cut head

Also among the casualties were Bill Price and Ian Douglas in the Wilkens and Field entry. Their boat was capsized by a wave and then righted by another

And having the final say is Plylite En Bee

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The Nelson Photo News

No 139 : May 27, 1972

Rough Conditions Tested Boats