June 12th, 2019
After setting a new Guinness World Record from the US to Cuba 2 years ago, Nigel Hook set his sights on 3 more world records, the historic Gateway Marathon.
The Gateway Marathon is and offshore endurance run from West Palm beach to Freeport in the Bahamas and back. Each leg and the overall run equates to 3 possible records.
The team achieved an average speed of 93.5 mph for the 200-mile round trip in a total time just under 2 hours, 10 minutes. Promoted by Powerboat P1 and sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique and the American Power Boat Association, the 2019 Ocean Cup event revived the Gateway Marathon, an iconic offshore race that dates back some 55 years.
The 48-foot Lucas Oil/SilverHook all-carbon V-bottom, driven by two Weismann 2 speed gearboxes, made the outward run to Grand Bahama Island on Friday and returned to Florida the following day.
“The boat raced absolutely perfectly across the 200 miles, plus the three exhibition laps we did for the thousands of Bahamians lining the beaches of Freeport celebrating their national holiday. It’s rarely straightforward crossing an open ocean but it was a fantastic run. It was a lot rougher than expected so the boat took a real pounding—you get adventure all the way when the Gulf Stream is at full steam! I believe we’ve laid the foundation to turn this into a grand race next year.” - Nigel Hook
Swedish co-pilot Silfverberg added: “Although there were some tough challenges with rough, quartering seas from the bow and constantly changing conditions, the boat ran superbly. I am so impressed by our team and of what we have achieved in setting new records. It was a fantastic event that I hope will become an annual one.”
The Gateway Marathon is and offshore endurance run from West Palm beach to Freeport in the Bahamas and back. Each leg and the overall run equates to 3 possible records.
The team achieved an average speed of 93.5 mph for the 200-mile round trip in a total time just under 2 hours, 10 minutes. Promoted by Powerboat P1 and sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique and the American Power Boat Association, the 2019 Ocean Cup event revived the Gateway Marathon, an iconic offshore race that dates back some 55 years.
The 48-foot Lucas Oil/SilverHook all-carbon V-bottom, driven by two Weismann 2 speed gearboxes, made the outward run to Grand Bahama Island on Friday and returned to Florida the following day.
“The boat raced absolutely perfectly across the 200 miles, plus the three exhibition laps we did for the thousands of Bahamians lining the beaches of Freeport celebrating their national holiday. It’s rarely straightforward crossing an open ocean but it was a fantastic run. It was a lot rougher than expected so the boat took a real pounding—you get adventure all the way when the Gulf Stream is at full steam! I believe we’ve laid the foundation to turn this into a grand race next year.” - Nigel Hook
Swedish co-pilot Silfverberg added: “Although there were some tough challenges with rough, quartering seas from the bow and constantly changing conditions, the boat ran superbly. I am so impressed by our team and of what we have achieved in setting new records. It was a fantastic event that I hope will become an annual one.”
Barely noticeable in the picture above, our billet 2 speed hangs off the rear of the engine.
Pat Weismann is in blue, Nigel Hook in red.
Pat Weismann is in blue, Nigel Hook in red.
