experience
Ronald Daniel
The Tobago
Fire One Takes 2011 Carib Beer Great Race trophy
by Darren Farfan
On August 27, 2011, a jubilant crowd gathered at the Scarborough Esplanade, Tobago, for one of the most exhilarating events on the island’s calendar, the Carib Beer Great Race. The spectators eagerly scanned the horizon in anticipation of the front runners. As the excitement built, as ‘ole talk,’ rumours and speculation circulate as swiftly as the choppers flying overhead. Earlier that morning, in Trinidad, the throngs of fans that sleepy assembled at the Hyatt Waterfront were similarly energised by the enormous release of pent-up horse power that signalled the start of this year’s edition of the Great Race. Back in Tobago, the frenzied crowd, now in full party mode, erupted into a collective roar just as the large ‘rooster tail’ (the spray of water thrown up behind a speedboat or surfboard) of the first boat bursts into sight. Pandemonium ensued as the impressive Fire One, driven by Guy Costa and throttled by Tory Hannon, powered across the finish line to take the chequered flag and winner’s trophy. The Great Race has a long, celebrated history and is steeped in a tradition of speed, power and gallantry. The gruelling 93-mile-long race between the islands of Trinidad and Tobago features the fastest and most modern race boats battling for supremacy, a coveted trophy and precious bragging rights. It is the longest consecutive boat racing event held in the Caribbean and attracts a growing number of participants and spectators every year. The event is organised by the Trinidad and Tobago Power Boat Association (TTPBA) and is faithfully supported by longrunning title sponsor, Carib Beer. Together, they have created
a world-class event and spectacle that continues to evolve and improve. This year’s innovations, which included a pre-race parade and boat show, mass starts and an adjusted course, were introduced to draw fans closer to the boats and spectators into the action. Carib Beer pushed their own boundaries in creating a Carnivalesque party atmosphere on the Scarborough Esplanade that featured give aways, top DJ’s, live music and the sparkling and spectacular Carib Girls. Safety is always the main priority of race organisers, who work hard to protect their 42-year casualty-free record. There was a major scare though, when “B” Class boat “Miss Trinidad” lost her steering and capsized while rounding a marker near the finish line. Thankfully, the crew escaped with only minor injuries and the rest of the event was incident-free. Also noteworthy, Candyman made history as the first boat to ever field an entirely female crew and was greeted with loud cheers of approval and encouragement as they finished their S1 Class circuit. Now that the spray has settled, it is safe to say that this year’s edition was a spectacular success and expectations are high for the next event. With its ever growing popularity, solid leadership and sponsor support, the 2012 Great Race is set to be bigger, better and even more spectacular. With its thrills, spills and frills, this is an event that you don’t want to miss! Great Race Results: Overall winners 1. Gulf Fire One (M Class) 2. Stampede (C Class) 3. Gulf Dragon (B Class) Class winners: Hero II (P Class), Extreme Measures (D Class), Energiza (S1 Class), Hero III (S2 Class), Gulf Dragon (B Class), Stampede (C Class), Fire One (M Class); Jeffrey Simmons (Boat Show) Award: Monster
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