Yachts as Luxurious as Hydroplanes are Fast

Hydroplanes are fast, sleek, beautiful and are engineering marvels. It’s ironic, isn’t it, that boats much larger and more expensive only qualify on three of the four hydroplane characteristics. “Super Yachts” are amazing boats, traveling somewhat slower than our beloved unlimited hydroplanes, but are worth a fun look nonetheless.

A site dedicated to these ultra-boats is SuperYacht Times. They track activities in this ultra-class of boats with news, features, company reports and boats, boats, boats. They seem to like their posh prows as we do our radical rockets. I can see why. If you want a fun, eye-candy sort of browsing session (no, not that kind of Internet eye-candy!), take a look at their site, allow yourself to pretend you could afford it (if you’re like me and can ONLY dream), and enjoy the experience.

The key image for this post is a boat from Palmer Johnson, the maker of pretty nice boats, wouldn’t you say? Geez.

So what?

You’re probably wondering why a guy learning about Unlimited Hydroplane Racing is looking at “slow boats to China.” Ahh, the hook! The reason for including a look at the PJ210 Stimulus from Palmer Johnson is that Russell Morris from Palmer Johnson, in an interview with SuperYacht Times said, “Speaking about the Chinese market for luxury yachts, Russell comments, “We are getting to know what they need and it’s only a matter of time before they build up their knowledge of yachting.”You can see the short article called “Live from China: Orders are picking up for Palmer Johnson” here.

Part of the recent commentary here at Unlimited Hydroplane Racing has been related to a sport on a crossroads – hints of turmoil inside the sport and an uncertain future about future schedules and sites. But at the same time, there’s been activity surrounding the expansion of the sport into China (the hook!) and what is considerably more interesting, is the early activity to look at options for bringing Unlimited Hydroplane Racing to Arkansas.

It appears that in addition to fast boats, Chinese boating interests are beginning to include vessels at the more luxurious end of the spectrum. This appears to be yet another example of China possibly becoming another location in the Unlimited Hydroplane Racing schedule. As this broader base of boating interest develops, it should fuel the growth of racing. Think about it: if Chinese citizens with money, like to use it to buy boats, wouldn’t it follow that some of those enthusiasts would focus their attention also on boats that go really fast?

Here’s a link to a SuperYacht Times article (and photo gallery!) about the Hainan Rendez-Vous Yacht Show, Business Jet Exhibition and Lifestyle Showcase in the seaside resort city of Sanya, Hainan Island.  It draws thousands of China’s wealthy to the show each year.

Sounds like the Qatar picture not so long ago, doesn’t it?

What are you seeing in our sport that indicates positive news for the future? Are there issues floating out there that suggest racing’s expansion, or are you seeing things that hint at a contracting sport? This sport has Damn Smart Fans – weigh in!

Dave