1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Regatta
In the Spirit of the Great Northwest
[Racing in Seattle, 1909]
by David Speer
|
Neither historic Seattle nor fast Tri-Cities were the first big-time motorboat races in the Pacific Northwest.
Popular history says it all began in 1951, after Seattle's Slo-mo-shun IV snatched the APBA Gold Cup from eastern racing interests. However, the first big motorboat race in the Pacific Northwest was the AYP Challenge Race of 1909.
The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition was created to promote the pioneering northwest and particularly the city of Seattle. The fair took place five miles north of downtown on undeveloped land owned by the University of Washington. Many of the structures built for the exposition became campus facilities that still stand.
The two-year old Pacific International Power Boat Association sanctioned the July races. The main event was a 90-mile free-for-all among 12-meter class boats (equivalent of the Gold Cup 40' class). It was split into three heats. The winner would take a $500 trophy and be recognized as Pacific Coast Champion.
Rumors spread about the appearance of entrants from across the U.S., but the event attracted only local racers. Apparently they hadn't heard that Fatima would do her famous Muscle Dance at the AYP. Still, the entry of Wolff II from Portland, Oregon, caught attention. The first Wolff was the defending Pacific Coast champion. Owned and built by John Wolff, a mechanical engineer, the newer boat was said to be faster.
Wolff II, "as if shot from a cannon," outran the competition in the first of three heats on a 10-mile Lake Washington course. Pacer, built in Syracuse for Portland's R.O. Cox, finished far back. Of two local entries, the syndicate-backed Seattle Spirit, a sentimental favorite of course, quit with carburetor troubles, and J.B. Brown's Lawana limped home steered by an oar after rudder gear broke.
The second heat proved less interesting. With the others broken, Wolff II again outdistanced Pacer. Oificials proclaimed Wolff II the new champion, saying that a third contest wouldn't be needed. Pacer's owner protested. He wouldn't concede the title without a third match. A $1,000 wager between Mr. Wolff and Mr. Cox reportedly sweetened the pot. Yet Johnny made it a runaway in three straight. The Oregon flyers also won a grueling 60-mile endurance contest.
Speeds were impressive for the day. Wolff had given the Pacific coast a motorboat that would hold its own among the world's best, if not defeat them. Even as the famed Dixie II was dominating eastern racing, and Hoosier Boy was midwest champ, Wolff II whipped across Lake Washington at 32 miles an hour. Dixie II had done nothing better.
(Reprinted with permission from the Unlimited NewsJournal, August 1993)
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