"Flanders Offshore Racing" Blasting the 1st BladeRun.
After a decadent Kick-off party in London all teams where ready for the
first BladeRun rally
Ramsgate-Ostend. As we already noticed on the touringbus taking us to
Ramsgate there woulden't be that many competition... beyond the Margate
coast competitors focused on a sea as flat like Lake Maggiore and tought it
would be like that once in Ramsgate. Without meteo acquaintance their
custard faces turned yellow when they see white horses blowing a 4-5 bft.
from the NW and increasing. The Bladerun organization informed the meteo
services couple of times and Flanders offshore racing where the only smiling
faces when they announced 8-9 bft. later on the afternoon at midchannel.
BladeRun CEO Duncan Scholes asked our professional advice after pilot
breefing and asked us what the options are. Kris suggested other
Bladerunners to follow a ferry's wake, but even that looked too scary.
12.40 hours: Time to get our gear ready followed by some crazy paparazzi,
you Belgian's are nuts starting at those conditions, as we replied even
faster " nah.. this is the real BladeRun for us, we got the skills - the
power - and the perfect boat for this rally. Our RING powered by twin 250
merc's optimax had a last check-up and we strapped things where needed.
12.55 hours: Highly respected by all shore Bladerunners they wished us
succes as Kris and Gino where the only Blades crossing the channel. CEO
Duncan asked us how long it would take as he will be providing Bladegirls
with champagne on arrival......... due the harsh conditions, let's say 3
hours.
As we leave the potoon at the Ramsgate marina we could not reject looking
behind us and hope any would still joining us, sad enough they stayed
leashed. So we decide to hit open waters.
13.00 The first 10 miles looked perfect for pilot Kris, the rib totaly
balanced en well trimmed getting close to 52 knots. Halfway the channel the
wind was increasing and it was getting more edgy, windpeaks force 8-9 NW
with high waves offshore breaking against our starbordside, Co-pilot -
Navigator Gino trimmed port side engine a bit more so we had a perfect
rhythm again but forced us to slow down a bit. 17 miles before the ostend
coast we spotted a strange object simular looking like a drillplatform, as
we approached it looked like a meteostation, as there was nobody home we
decided to drink our coffee somewhere else. After a few miles we had Ostend
harbour in sight, entering Montgomerydock some die-hard fans and friends
waving and complementing us as being first (and only ones) finishing.
Thanks for being there for us !
15.52 hours With one hour timedifference we crossed the channel in 1 hour 52
min. The promised Bladegirls with champagne didn't made it as we where to
soon...after all, it was a rally ....wasn't it? All other Bladerunners took
the shuttle from dover to Calais so they could join us at the party and dine
at the "Ostend Queen" & Lounge bar. CEO Duncan Scholes called the Flanders
offshore Racing duo Kris Deraed & Gino Passchier " The Offshore Legends" as
they are the only "Bladerunners" and for once other participants
"Trainrunners"
In the near future more BladeRuns will be organized starting the next venue
Puerto Banuz - Ibiza end September, due the experiance off Flanders Offshore
Racing it looks like Duncan Scholes will possible coöperate with us
concerning other BladeRuns. Interested participating? please let us know.
BladeRun is not only a rally, it's a lifestyle !!!!
Gino Passchier
party pic's Ostend
http://www.powerboat-rescue.com/copp...um=topn&cat=13
Linear Mode
