Fantasy of Flight

Roar 'n Soar

November 2007

by Ted Parkhurst

(pictures to follow)

The Roar 'n Soar was as much fun as we have had for a long time, things went great and I am sure it was due to expert planning and hard work.

Susan and I arrived not knowing what to expect. Fran Wark was at the entrance, she was great she gave us all the information we needed with a big smile. Thanks Fran!

We parked the truck and boat and went up to the registration. Claire had things under control. We got our credentials and where we needed to be and when.

As we were at the registration Curt Brayer in the Dancing Bear had parked next to our boat. The bear was one kick ass boat. It could not be beat by any boat in most any class in South Florida; Dell Daily in Oh Mamma was close but no cigar. The old Hemi and six Stromberg’s were the key. It brought back old memories of racing in Miami at Pelican Harbor, Miami Out Board Club and the Marine Stadium.

We went through the inspection. Marty Ferry knew what to look for and gave me several suggestions as to how to improve my kill switch.   After the modifications it was perfect no one had a better one.

I must admit I was not prepared. We did not have helmets or approved life vest. Marty lent us his, and Doug Apy, Skip Gillian, Tom Wark, Terry Lewis and Phil Jordan all lent us helmets thru out the weekend we appreciate the help.

We went back to the room and changed to go to the welcome party. The Quality Inn is great the room was immaculate.

At the Welcome Party the Hot Air Balloons were lighting up and giving a spectacular glow to each balloon at sunset.  The food was great the entertainment was great the conversation with everyone was great I guess it was just great.

The drivers meeting on Saturday morning came early it was not as warm as usual. (Translated to real terms it was cold!).  Tom D'Eath and Mike Yobe the Pitt Boss gave us the go and no goes.  I did not really think that we would be running in the race boat class. Susan wanted to go also. I do not know if she wanted to go or just keep me under control. I was glad she wanted to go. We were scheduled to go after the Hydro's and Out Boards.

The Outboards ran. The Raveau's were fast and smooth. I did not see much of them we were getting ready to go in the water.  The Hydro's were up next I can still remember the sound as they come out of the turns and accelerate down the strait.  We all got in the water Two SK's and a beautiful Glen - L runabout we ran about half speed we stayed together and I do not think anyone knew we were not racing. I wanted to but Susan kept things under control.

The Skiffs were next. They ran in two heats both of them were as close to a real race as I have seen they put on a great show. Truth be known it was a real race.

Mike and Riley ran the ramp perfectly. Riley was driving his tractor and directing the crew from Fantasy of Flight. They got all the boats in and out without incident.  Mike was like a Symphony Conductor he was right on time with everything there were no delays that some time make boat racing drag. It made the event happen.

As soon as the boats were finished the model planes did an amazing show they are as fast as real planes and can do all the moves that make for a good air show.  Next up was the Ski Show Susan and I at one time could ski as good as anyone but these kids were great they did several stunts that in our time were impossible.  The Fantasy of Flight cranked up their Seaplane and pulled one of the skiers behind the plane with skies and then barefoot you do not see that everyday.

We had some time before we ran again so we went through the Fantasy of Flight, this is must see if you are ever close to Orlando or Tampa. I have never seen so many planes of interest in one place at one time. This is a primo place. Do not pass it up.

We ran in the afternoon again Dancing Bear was in the water, Tom D'Eath had his K Boat, I was in heaven our flat bottom on the same course with these guys was an unbelievable experience.  Bobby Mills in his Cole Flat Bottom drag boat and Matt Lat in his Blitz flat bottom drag boat were in the same class as all of us.  I have never seen these boats turn they go very fast straight but I do not think they ever turn them.  We all started in disarray Tom D'Eath can drive he found good water and could run as fast as he needed to kill all of us.

Matt Ladd in the Blitz was running way to fast after he found out his boat would turn he went by us with Hank his Rider hanging on. I saw nothing but teeth from my drag boat friends. They had a ball. We ran as much as we could it was all the fun we could stand.

The Skiffs ran again it was two heats they put on another great show. I think that skiffs are the best show in town they look like they are on edge at any speed. Terry and Tim were up to speed in the Jitter Bug. Phil Jordan in Fire it Up were running straight and fast.

Skip Gilliam and Paul Mezyk were in the Orange Crate running as fast as it did in 65. Skip is building another boat I think he has been bitten by the race bug again. Marty was in there some where going faster than anyone.

Tom Wark and Rodger Harris were paired and going at it. Dick Daley was not far behind. The caged race boats of Billy Darby and Jim Bertola were finishing something started a couple weeks earlier in Chattanooga. All these boats were flying, and from the shore it was hard to tell who was the fastest.

The Classic Runabouts ran Craig Hartwig, Jack Rouse and the rest of the Wood boats looked like works of art running. These boats are amazing they are all a labor of love to keep the craft alive that made these boats possible.

Sunday was a wonderful repeat of Saturday. It is amazing that a few people from Classic Race Boat Association put this together. It takes special people to organize a special event in short notice and still  make everyone happy.