Powerboats – Using Video to Understand Their Power
Powerboat racing is becoming more and more popular as a spectator sport as people are drawn in to the rush of speed. The problem however is that many people who witness powerboats in person often claim they really are not moving so quickly and that race cars move much quicker both in terms of top speed and acceleration. If one watches on video however, they can see that powerboats use a great amount more force than a race car ever would. Viewers also need to keep in mind that water is different from concrete or dirt.
More Than Speed Needed to Win Powerboat Racing’s Greatest Race – The Bahamas 500
While many changes rumbled through the 1960s, it was offshore powerboat racing that really made a splash for motorsport enthusiasts. The ’60s saw not only the blossoming of the powerboat industry but the granddaddy of ocean racing events: the 1967 Bahamas 500, a 570-mile open water race pitting 63 thrill-seekers in a grueling mad dash around the islands, coral reefs, and sandbars of the Bahamas. The competition began and ended – with only 16 boats making it to the finish line – in Freeport, Bahamas after 11 hours of constant speed and, more importantly, excellent navigation skill.
