Miss Geico - the world's fastest offshore racer

by Bob Wonders on 10 Feb 2008 Unbelievable - The world’s fastest offshore racer tops 302km/hr (188mph)!

The name is Miss GEICO, the dimensions are 12.29-metres (40’) overall, a 3.2-metre (10’6”) beam and 4536kg (10,000lbs) in weight.

They’re specifications that simply don’t tell the story. You can see YouTube action here

This incredible piece of equipment, powered by dual 1500hp turbine engines that actually flew missions aboard US Army helicopters during the first Gulf War, has demolished record after record in its inaugural season, and in the process has claimed three world championships, the US Offshore Super Series, the Super Boat International and the Offshore Performance Association crown.

Miss GEICO carries a crew of six and has been credited with an officially timed speed of 302.98km/hr (188.26mph) on the Mississippi River, near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Driver Marc Granet said both he and his crew were amazed when the catamaran topped 290km/hr (180mph).

“People couldn’t believe it,” he said, “speeds that high were unheard of in offshore racing.”

The boat’s owner, John Haggin, described as “a visionary” when faced with new race technology, has urged his crew to chase records at will.




Built by Marine Technologies, employing composites, carbon and epoxy, Miss GEICO carries 1892-litres of kerosene fuel and transmits her 3000 horsepower to the water via Lycoming surface drives.

Scott Begovich, Miss GIECO’s throttleman, described offshore racing as “a war of attrition.”

“You have to be there at the finish line to win the race and we have got the scars to prove we were there,” he said.

The bright yellow catamaran, decorated with a bikini-clad gecko, carries the scars of battle like badges of honour.

Coincidentally, Miss GEICO will be at next week’s Miami International Boat Show and so will I!

Rest assured I’ll be taking a close up look at this incredible machine.

Here are three YouTube movies so you can see the boat in action.