At just 29 feet, the Deep V Sheriff Logo will be the smallest boat in the 95 mph D Class of this year's Carib Great Race, but driver Justin Lennard says that will not be discouraging his team.
Coming up against Rush and Chris Gone Wilder, Lennard and throttleman Shameel Mohammed will be banking on smooth conditions to maximise their chances of winning the group.
"We're the smallest boat and it's only a single engine," he said. "Rough waters will hamper us and give the other boats an advantage. It will be a lot more work for us to try to keep up but we're not letting that discourage us."
The team came together in 2012 after Mohammed purchased the vessel, previously Intense Too, and installed a new V8 single inboard engine which upgraded it from the 80mph class. While its first campaign ended in disappointment, it returned last year to place third in its class and ninth overall. Lennard said it had been a satisfying experience upon which he was looking to improve.
"The Great Race is something you prepare for from the beginning of year," he said. "We've all been very busy, juggling the boat with everyday life. It takes a lot of work but you have to find the time because the race is coming regardless of if you're ready or not. You have to make the necessary sacrifices."
He added that things could get especially dramatic during the race when the larger, faster boats made their way past.
"That ten seconds or so is the hardest part mentally," he said. "It's more a mind thing to ensure that you don't get mixed up with the big boats when they pass. It's a bit of extra work to stay out of their way and keep your position."
That aside, Lennard said he was looking forward to having a good time.
"We're the fastest boat to 95 mph in the whole Power Boat Association," he said. "The pure adrenaline of the experience is great."
Contenders
Carib Great Race 2014
A Class (130 mph)
Monster, Mr Solo, Paramount
B Class (120 mph)
Fire One, Stampede
C Class (110 mph)
Global Warmer
D Class (95 mph)
Sheriff Lobo, Rush, Chris Gone Wilder
E Class (80 mph)
Hero III, White Heat, Elixir, Energiza
F Class (70 mph)
Rite Formulal, Energiza, Extreme Measures, Cynisca
G Class (60 mph)
Matrix Reloaded, Chris Gone Wild, Infusion IV, Wethead, Outcast