inside the 2011 key west worlds
- vol. 14 # 5
by Dina Paolella Photography provided by Shoot 2 Thrill
Power boaters spanning the nation crossed over land and sea piling into the Sunshine State’s southernmost tip for the 31st annual Key West World Championship. Unfortunately, the mid-November event produced more tears than cheers following two fatal crashes that lead to the passing of three dedicated offshore racers Big Thunder Marine’s Bob Morgan and Jeff Tillman, and Page Motorsports’ Joey Gratton. I personally, along with all those at Poker Runs America extend our sincere condolences to all their families, friends and fellow racing comrades.
Those of us involved in offshore racing are not ignorant to the fact that it comes with great risk and unfortunate consequences at times. As this succession of fatalities marks the most tragic week on record throughout the last three decades of Key West racing, it would be impossible to put together this story by painting a pretty picture of speed-week.
But on the reverse side, those fortunate enough to have known or battled against Bob, Jeff and Joey would concur that we honor their passion and for that reason, I will go on with the story limiting it to a Key West wrap-up.
A Global Affair
The Super Boat World Championship opened with 12 distinguished racing classes ready to rumble on three alternate days, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. On Friday’s second day of action - also Veteran’s Day and 11/11/11 on the calendar - the explosion of onlookers gathered throughout the harbor embankments resembled that of Sunday’s standard double points and laps finale. One noticeable highlight of the 63-boat armada was the influx of international talent in town, thanks to a heightened number of “men and machines” who crossed over a few ponds and time zones to join in.
Hands-down, the award for furthest traveled went to the Aussies from down under in Maritimo Offshore - a striking Michael Peters designed watercraft (similar to a Tencara), housing twin 1200 hp Mercury Racing supercharged power plants. Throttleman Ross Willaton filled me in on how famous an event like this is in Australia
“I have wanted to race Key West since the 1980s. It’s great to finally be here,” says Willaton. “Hopefully we could motivate more Australian teams to compete in upcoming outings.”
Transporting a two-boat fleet of Chaudrons through customs to compete in Production 1 and 3 Classes was the Ukrainian Spirit team out of the Ukraine; one of Europe’s Eastern countries partially bordered by Russia and Poland.
Heading northbound to Scandinavia, the Norwegian team Gasse (or Floor it) came to town with owner/driver Tor Staubo adding throttle guru John Tomlinson to the cockpit of the 48-foot MTI for the Superboat Unlimited scrimmages. And over to the brilliant Isle of England, the Geico Caveman and Peters & May teams added a Skater and Donzi ZR to the matches in Super Vee Extreme and Production 1 Class.
To The Races
Superboat Unlimited featured five aquatic beasts - CMS, Gasse, Maritimo Offshore, Cintron and Big Thunder Marine - at Wednesday’s drop of the flag and then finished with four after the accident of Big Thunder Marine. Charging into the harbor on their third lap, the monster quad 1400 hp 46’ Skater came down onto its starboard front hull before catching more air, forced bow up and landing backwards. Sadly enough Bob Morgan - the 74-year -old throttleman out of retirement for one last race, as well as his racing partner and co-owner in the boat, 47-year-old Jeff Tillman did not survive the impact.
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