Outside looking in, until now.

[Hasbeen]

Hi all, I've been looking at this forum for the last few months and have been meaning to post but never seemed to get round to it, until now.

I'm especially interested in the stories and photo's of racing in the 70's & 80's, as I was around for quite a bit of it.

It's allways suprised me how people who were such avid competitors back then seem to have no interest in the sport since they quit, not even managing to go to a race to spectate or even meet up with old pals.

[Jon Fuller]

Firstly, welcome to boatmad!

I've noticed the same thing. With the odd exception, how often do you see the likes of: (some old school, some newer) John Clarke, John Yoeman, John Baker, Dick Strutton, John Miller, Mark Mulvaney, Colin Stoneman, Peter Armstrong, and many more from over the years, just wandering about to see how the sport that they were so passionate about, is doing....not very!

[roofer]

Perhaps its because they became so fed up with racing , its organisers and all the infighting that they've found better things to do.

[BluFin]

Peoples priorities change, me I married some demonic bitch (DB) that couldn’t stand boats (not good), Then comes the kids, ect, ect. Don’t think, due to not showing a face I lost interest far from it, just that there is only so much time in a week. Out of shear conscience you try and include everybody as your working all week so you change direction slightly.
Anyway it is quite disappointing looking at the size of the fleets nowadays compared to what you remember, let alone trying to have a look at the boats pre or post race, trying to blag your way by some security guards that don’t want to let you pass as you don’t have the permit / card whatever.
its a thing that I suspect you have to make a clean break from coz it's Oh so easy & so much fun to get drawn back into.

JFI (DB) left with Squadron but I did keep the tender

[jw.]

Could be a bit of 'been there, done it'. How else would we know all the things we know?....been there, done them. However, for me, boating has been the longest stretch.

[Foolish]

Perhaps its because they became so fed up with racing , its organisers and all the infighting that they've found better things to do.

personaly i think that 20yrs ago all forms of "motorsport" could be enjoyed to a greater level by the "average" guy in the street !!

Although a relative newbie to boating (5 yrs) prior to that i had always been involved in somekind of motorsport from motocross & drag bikes to hot rods & rallying until it went the same way

20yrs ago it was a "Hobby" now it's just "to much hassle"

How about a "run what u brung" .... unlimited

[roofer]

Originally posted by Foolish


How about a "run what u brung" .... unlimited

Sounds good to me .

[Ciao]

All valid points guys, and I am pleased to see Penn promo in charge of the ORC.

It comes down to money at the end of the day.

I would go racing every year.

But I can’t afford it!

Even as a paying navigator, it can cost you 7K for a season.

My last year (2002) with the trip to South Africa and the moving around the country cost a good few bob.

I’m putting my helmet on again next year in P1, and the bills are scary….

Lucky enough I’m just a low paid Taxi Driver and not sane!!!

[Ciao]

As JF would testify, Blufin , Penn promo are quite happy to talk old days, here is one for Fuller, Dad found his invoice from Steve Baker, 16’ tandem Race Boat £1250.00 inc VAT !

[MrRob]

Like most motorsports theses days its expensive to get started and then keep it up.
I would love to race but I dont have the time or the money to do it but as soon as I win the Lotto I would be on the start line of some racing class! Its a childhood dream for most of us I guess! I used to love to watch the racing at kingsbury water park when I was a kid and always wanted to do something like that ever since!

[littlenige]

It's allways suprised me how people who were such avid competitors back then seem to have no interest in the sport since they quit, not even managing to go to a race to spectate or even meet up with old pals.

Prime example - Charles Gill purchases a world famous Cigarette and wins Cowes - maybe does a whole season in ´76 - then what?!

[littlenige]

(Apart from doing a bit of class 2 beforehand in the old HTS?)