The L.A. Boat Show opened on a high note considering the challenging economic times. On the whole, exhibitors reported more interest that far exceeded expectations.
“We’re happy and making sales at the show,” commented Scott Driesbach, Advantage Boats COO with factory headquarters in Lake Havasu City, AZ. “It’s been a long six months, but after this Saturday and Sunday, we’re feeling much better about what 2009 holds in store. We closed several deals the first day and the introduction of our new 34 XFlight model created a lot of consumer buzz and plenty of quality leads that we’ll be following up in the weeks and months ahead.”
“This was pretty much the sentiment expressed by the majority of exhibitors at the show,” said SCMA Executive Director, Dave Geoffroy. “What was very encouraging…Â More info
| ‘Auckland brothers Warren and Scott Lewis bring ’Fairview Doors and Windows’ across the line to take out round one of the NZ Offshore championship. – Offshore action across the Tasman’   Phillip Hoskyn |
 It has been labelled ‘Thunder on the Gulf’ as New Zealand’s offshore racers prepare for the second round of the 2009 Rayglass NZ Offshore Powerboat championships set down for next Saturday (February 14).
Race organisers have mapped out an open sea course off the Gulf Harbour Marina, north of Auckland.
Cary Gleeson, vice-president of the NZ Offshore Powerboat Association (NZOPA) has described the course as ‘traditionally pretty challenging.’
Gleeson, driver of ‘Doosan’, is the current series leader in the Superboat Lite class.
‘Some parts of the course can be very rough, with other legs fairly flat depending on tide and prevailing conditions; the race will always be interesting as some boats will be set up for the rough and that can often produce an upset victory,’ he added…Â More infoÂ
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In a loud fury of roaring engines and water spray, 25 of the 27 registered entrants for the wooden powerboat race took to the waters off Mina Seyahi to compete in the third heat of the Dubai Wooden Powerboat race organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, today.
The cigar shaped course stretched 40.74 NM from Mina Seyahi to Sheraton Jumeirah and comprised a start lap of 5.22 NM in addition to 7 race laps of 4.41 NM each including a mandatory long lap of 4.65 NM. Weather conditions were good. A spectacular view of boats raised at the bow made for thrilling action and excitement as spectators watched from the beaches stretching from the Royal Mirage to Sheraton Jumeirah.
It was a glorious day for Atlas 1, Dalma Marine and Al Jazeera Club. Throughout the race Atlas 1 dominated to be followed closely by Al Jazeera and then by Dalma Marine. By the third lap Al Jazeera fell back only to be overtaken and stay in position through till the finish in second place. Al Jazeera had to concede to third place. Abu Dhabi Racing Team stayed in …Â More info