DON SHEAD PLANATEC

Once upon a time... there was a Class 1 powerboat owned by a gentleman by the name of Bobby Buchanan-Michelson, the craft was called HOT OMELETTE A 34FT Avenger with 1100hp Mercruisers. Its season got off to a reasonably good start with Mr B-M making quite an impression, But there was trouble in store for Hot Omelette in its bright yellow and red racing livery, one of the stern drives ripped out during a race and she sank! When recovered her condition was very poor and the resilient Mr B-M returned with a new Shead Designed Planatec hull, called ABO (Another Bloody Omelette). ABO was entered in the ’74 Cowes Torquay powered by 2 Mercruisers rated at 1300hp and the same Red and Yellow livery , she unfortunately retired after 10 miles with engine problems. In ‘75 ABO returned as RADIO RENTALS with Tim Powell driving and Mr B-M as crew, she finished the race in 5th position.

"ABO" 1974 Photo courtesy Graham Stevens.

In 1976 there was no sign of Mr B-M or ABO/Radio Rentals but she reappeared again in 1977 with John Cunningham and was now called MACHO unfortunately she retired at Torquay with a blown head gasket.

"Macho" 1977 Photo courtesy Graham Stevens.

In 1978 ABO / RADIO / MACHO reappeared as BALLERINA again with Mr CUNNINGHAM this time retiring at Anvil Point. 1979 A/R/M/B FAILED TO APPEAR! but was back again in 1980 with a new owner a MR WALKER but did not compete in the Cowes Race nor again in '81, '82 or '83.

"Ballerina" 1980 Photo courtesy Graham Stevens.

In 1984 she was back again as DOUBLE TWO SHIRTS with new owner Tim hill and powered now by 2 Sabre Diesels at 1000hp, Old ABO now took on a different view on racing, in that years Cowes Classic she finished 4th overall , it seems she liked her new Sabres!

"Double 2 Shirts" 1984 Photo courtesy Graham Stevens.

1985 and the Cowes Torquay included a 1 hr stop for refuelling at Torquay, Double Two was up the front again battling for honours with Ray McEnhill’s OUTSIDER and it was all worth she finished second in the race and first in OP2. In 1986 ABO still with Tim Hill returns with a new sponsor FOLLETT CARS and becomes a popular entry with the spectators and yet again after years in the doldrums she beats some big names to come home 5th and again win OP2! Maybe it was all getting too much for the old girl for 1987 was another retirement, still she showed her metal and was she was good she was very good! Which is why with yet another change of ownership to Roger Fletcher and a new name REJUGA, she competed in the 88 CTC against some of the big names in the sport and still made it home 11th overall and 5 OP2. Not bad for a 13 year old boat!

"Follett Cars" 1986 Photo courtesy Graham Stevens.

She was up to her old tricks again in 1989 repeating a previous years placing 5th overall and 1st OP2 and beating in the process a very nice CUV called FOLLETT CARS !