Acme Racing out to recover ‘06 form

by Bob Wonders on 12 Sep 2008 Acme Racing out to recover ‘06 form

It’s only been one season since the Searle brothers, Steve (throttles) and Andrew (driver) piloted Acme Racing to an Australian Class I title in 2006.

They lost the crown last year to Maritimo, with Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Virik Neilsen returning an almost flawless season to take top spot.

Now, with the Redcliffe 100 looming (September 21), the brothers are looking to turn the tables on the Maritimo entry.

'Won’t be easy, that’s for sure, 'Andrew Searle told Powerboat-World.

'We still have some testing to do after breaking a propeller shaft earlier, but we’ll be ready for Redcliffe, no risk'.

Acme Racing is a 14.0-metre (46’) US-built Skater.

The big catamaran is powered by dual 1075hp MerCruiser engines, its drives spinning Herring stainless steel ‘wheels’.

Instrumentation includes GPS, Mercury digital SmartCraft and Motec instrumentation.

The Skater is capable of speeds in excess of 120mph (190km/hr-plus).

'There’s an old saying in powerboat racing that to finish first, first you must finish and that’s our primary aim this year, to finish, 'Andrew added.

'Of course, despite meticulous preparation, a little bit of luck goes a long way, too, 'he added.

Steve Searle had the final word; 'It’s the opening round of a new season and we’re out to score points,' he declared.

The Redcliffe 100 is shaping up to be a first rate event, with all reigning Australian Offshore champions in the various classes confirming their entry.

Defending Class I titleholder, Maritimo, has been declared pre-race favourite with strong opposition expected from team mate Simrad, crewed by Luke Durman and Ross Willaton.

Acme Racing will certainly do its level; best to ‘keep ‘em honest.’

Other nation titleholders out to defend their championships comprise Anthony De Fina and Simon Thomas aboard ‘Saracen’ (Supercat Outboard), Ian Harris and Graham Fraser in ‘Ezy Does It’ (Supercat Outboard Lite) and Peter Jack and James Calan with ‘Grumpy Mongrel’ (Super Vee).

Crews will undertake final testing and last minute adjustments on the Saturday morning (Sept 20) with racing scheduled for the Sunday afternoon.

Spectators will be able to see the competing boats at the Moreton Bay Boat Club car park area.

A street parade is being planned for the Saturday morning to generate spectator interest which, if last year can be taken as a guide, will be tremendous.

Thousands lined the Redcliffe shoreline to watch the action.

Powerboat-World will be there to cover the action and my camera equipment and I have been ‘rewarded’ with a helicopter seat to photograph the proceedings.

Hopefully, stand by for some great action shots.

Just remember, if the photography is not brilliant, it’s the fault of the camera, not the editor!