Rite Formula will make its debut in the 65 MPH SI Class at this year's Carib Great Race after a six year run as a 70 MPH entrant. Helmed by Justin Keizer, the 29-foot Formula Three with two 200HP Yamaha engines was its class champion last year despite suffering from some minor problems on the water.
According to trottleman and Keizer's father Ian, who was the T&T Power Boat Association's nominee for Sportsman of the Year in 2009, the public can expect big things from Rite Formula on August 28. "We expect to dominate the class," he said. "It is a proven boat and it always runs great in the rough conditions that you expect in a Great Race. With a half hour head start, we expect to reach Tobago in a good position once the conditions are right." Keizer added that his target time would be about an hour and 25 minutes.
Some 25 local boats are expected to take part this year on a course which has been lengthened by 2.7 miles to 92.5 miles. After starting in front of the Hyatt, the boats will continue along the foreshore down to Chaguaramas before making a U-Turn on to the North Coast and breaking away from the mainland upon reaching Grand Rivere. The race will then end at Rocky Bay in Scarborough.