Finally, on 24 August, we leave early Friday morning from Zeebrugge to Calais to cross the Chanel with the Shuttle. From Dover we drive to Portsmouth to take the Ferry to Cowes. Around 5 pm we arrive in its busy and lively port. Our boat the "Birretta Due" has already brought to the pit thanks to our loyal collaborators Danny and Patrick who were responsible for its transport by truck.
The United Kingdom is the country by excellence of ancient old traditions of boat racing. Furthermore, Cowes Torquay Cowes celebrates this year its 52nd edition.
We are truly proud to be the only Belgians who are participating this time. We are really motivated and enthusiastic to test our new boat in this power boat race in light for the forthcoming race of next year "COWES to MONTE CARLO".
That World Cup Grand Prix starts off in Cowes on 8 June 2013, covers 5 countries and 11 cities, and finishes in Monte Carlo, 2.400 miles further ahead (for more information, visit www.cowes2012.co.uk).
Saturday morning 25 August, after one night "Fawlty Towers" at the Fountain Inn, we discuss with the entire team, especially with our pilot and expert Jean-Pierre, the strategy and fix the route on our map and board computer. We also received some advice from our experienced colleagues racers. All information is appreciated en has been discussed. Meanwhile the remaining boats and their teams have arrived and the final preparations are met for the race of Sunday. The atmosphere is relaxed and collegial.
Finally, the "Biretta Due" has been lifted in the water. What a monster of a race boat it is as we see him hanging on the crane. There is a lot of interest for our boat which has been photographed by the several bystanders. The men critically check all the equipment, including the life saving jackets, the helmets and the radio communication. The bonnet (a huge thing) is opened to inspect the two Cumming motors of each 600 horsepower. Everything looks good. The boat has been carefully sealed off and the countdown can begin.
On Saturday evening at 7.30 pm there was the final briefing regarding the start and finish of the race of tomorrow. The organisers and security staff gave a strict oversight on the weather conditions, the code of conduct and fair play.
One more night of sleep, the tension rises and an early night announces itself.
Sunday morning at 8 am there is the ultimate briefing regarding the weather, the currents, the wind speed, etc. Pilot Jean-Pierre Neels and co-pilot Thomas Vandamme are fully ready for the challenge. Still a final check-up of the boat, the guys put on their special life jacket on as