Dean Gibbs aboard Going Lean wins in Marathon class at powerboating event
Dean Gibbs and his 1,400hp Fountain Going Lean (pictured) took the overall prize in the large Marathon class at the Torbay Classic powerboat event over the weekend.
Organised by the Offshore Racing Drivers Association, the Torbay Classic has signalled a revival in the fortunes of national offshore powerboat racing with over 30 craft representing four classes taking part.
But the main focus was on the new Marathon classes (formerly known as Offshore classes I and II).
Strong south-westerly winds gusting Force 6 was going to make it a tough fight. The start saw the lead taken by Vahid Ganjavian driving the American-built Phantom, Fury.
He was followed by Gibbs with Marcus Hendriks third aboard the veteran Shead/Cuv Cinzano.
The 105-mile course took competitors from Torquay west to Plymouth and out to the Eddystone lighthouse.
Here sea conditions were particularly challenging and it wasn’t long before an engine problem put Ganjavian out of the race.
The run back saw Henricks choose the shorter, direct offshore course back to Torquay. It proved his undoing.
Thinking he was ahead, he tended to ease back whereas Gibbs aboard Going Lean found calmer weather inshore.
Despite the longer route Gibbs made better time, arriving at the finishing line clear winner, 33 seconds ahead of Cinzano after averaging an impressive 54.8 knots over the course.
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