King of Shaves storms it

PRE-EVENT favourites King of Shaves, stormed the first races of the 2004 Honda 4-stroke series. Driver James Sheppard and his navigator Neil Sinclair used their experience and skill to take the first grand prix in the 225hp class under brilliant blue skies and in calm waters in and around Havelet Bay.

'We haven't got the fastest boat out there, but the conditions were superb - very calm and great sunshine,' said Sinclair.

In Saturday's races they made a couple of navigational errors and lost their lead to Accucard, but managed to claw back a position.

'Our GPS failed on the second lap, so we had to navigate visually, but there were a few other buoys around and boats in the water and when you're travelling at 70mph, it can be difficult to pick out the course,' said Sinclair.

On day two they took a tight line around the course and cornered faster than the other boats.

'The start was sensational and it turned out to be the perfect race, with us lapping two other boats.

'We've been winning for three years and to keep winning is just about as good as it gets. This does give us some confidence now for the rest of the season.'

Second place in the 225hp class went to the Accucard team, who also had a good start in the second race.

'It was a blinding start and we managed to tuck inside the other boats who took it much wider. Starting well is crucial and can dictate the whole race,' said driver Miles Dobson.

In the 150hp class, navigator Clive Coote found himself being thrown out of his boat, Pole Position, after clipping another racer, at about 50 knots.

They were forced to retire, but made up for the last position by coming in third on the second day's racing.

'We'd hit a big wave and then we touched another boat. It happened really fast and suddenly I was glugging water.

'It was certainly a good first experience, but today was fantastic, with some very close racing.'

Alsford Timber took the 150hp title, in their second season, with new engines.

'We are very pleased; it's our first podium position,' said navigator Guy Elliott.

'It was pretty event free for us, although in the first race, one of the other drivers went the wrong way after the third mark so we had flat water.'

The Thunderducks championship within Havelet Bay was also deemed a success and was watched by people from all sides of the bay.