MOTOR BOAT RACING

MOTOR BOAT RACING.

MANY FAMOUS CONVERTS TO THE NEW SPORT.

N view of the generally unsatisfactory state of all .1 forms of motoring competitions in this country

and the crowded state of our roads, it is not surprising to find that considerable interest is being displayed in the sport of motor boating. Several well known figures in the motoring world have recently taken to the water, among them being Major Segrave, George Newman and F. T. Bersey (of the Laystall Engineering Co.). Mr. Bersey has just built an extremely attractive boat for racing, which we illustrate in this issue, and we have pleasure in reporting that as a result of certain trials, it has been selected to represent Great Britain in the forthcoming International Races.

Boats of this type, of course, are not for the masses, but it is not generally realised that it is actually possible to produce a really sporting little craft for about 00. These boats are fitted with ” outboard ” engines of 500 c.c., working on the 2-stroke principle, and with suitable hulls are capable of over 20 m.p.h. This speed does not sound very great, but on water it has a thrill of its own, quite different from any possible sensation on air or land. Racing for this type of craft has already taken place on the” Welsh Harp” Reservoir at Hendon with great success, so that Londoners have a race-course at their very doors. The transport difficulty does not exist, as, owing to their small dimensions and light weight these boats can easily be carried on a car. One of the” Welsh Harp” enthusiasts recently carried his boat to Dover on a car and successfully ” motored ” across to Calais

at a very creditable speed, singlehanded. Another enthusiast, Kenneth Twemlow, an ex-T.T. winner, has built a craft on somewhat more ambitious lines, employing an 8-45 h.p. o.h.v. J.A.P. engine, which is capable of well over 30 m.p.h.

Altogether it seems that the sport has great possibilities, and we feel sure that it will gain many new adherents in the near future.