Saving Old Seagulls

Well it's not as fast as the first picture would imply.

That's Lake Taupo which is a very large puddle in the middle of the north island of New Zealand, & that's the boat "X5" that I've borrowed, I know it looks a bit like a "Tarts handbag" , but it certainly goes well.

As usual the Kiwi's hospitality seem to know no limits, "there's a bed & a car here for as long as you need it" is a very common greeting.

Easter is the big race weekend & that should sort the men from the boys.
Lets hope my motor will not throw it's toys out of the pram before the finish line.

I have recieved a formal letter of protest against 'the skinny pom' as regards the modifications that have been carried out upon the Seagull 170 that Charles Large intends to race in The Great Race this year.. it is alledged that non Seagull parts make up a percentage/proportion far greater than allowed under rule 46,clause d of Open Class rules " 10% of the total powerhead weight is the maximum allowance for non Seagull parts in any of the QB, 170, 5R motors raced in this class." a non refundable dispute deposit of $100.00 has been posted by Mr Lorhan of Bermuda .. you are therefore requested by the Rules committee to present yourself and the engine you intend to race this year, for dismantling and inspection at 3pm during scrutineering at Karapiro Events Centre on Friday 2nd April 2010.... thankyou for your co-operation in this matter.

Thank you for your kind offer John, I met these very nice gentlemen here in Taupo who explained as they were fully qualified Seagull experts & that they offered to do it, then & there for only $50 + GST, so you won't need to struggle into your rubber gloves, even though I know it's a job you look forward to.

Luckily my motor just scraped over,the must have 10% british Seagull parts rule, though without out my ultra violet sensitive eyes, they never would have spotted the Seagull logo on the starter rope & the sparkplug.

They also saved me a $10,000 fine from Environment Waikoto for using anything containing copper in the river, & they very kindly offered to take all my bearings, my bronze prop & the golden coloured coins from my pocket to the disposal site for safe recycling.

I will bring the certificate they issued, to the pre race briefing for you inspection.

Sorry about the stains on the back of my inspection certificate, but some rude fellow in their office stood his beer glass on the Lion Red logo.

So the Waikato region can expect to see the Yellow Bastards Display team in their full glory!

As a mark of my gratitude for your kind offer, I will return some of the racing parts, I stole from your workshop during my earlier visit.

Reckon this might suit 'em guys?

Where is this great race taking place? Would be good to see.

Waikato River .. North Island .. Auckland ...New Zealand .. if you catch a plane in the next 24 hrs you may just make it .. i'll be at the Auckland airport on Thurs morning [1st april] to pick up some guests you're welcome to join us .. cheers