One of the world’s fastest catamarans is now part of the AMF Offshore Racing team. John Haggin, owner of AMF, purchased the 50-foot Mystic Miss Longlite from Callan Marine, and plans to campaign the boat on this year’s racing calendar, which includes nearly 20 races.
The catamaran was raced by Dave Callan and John Cosker a few years ago but lately has only pulled duty as the fastest boat at the Lake Rescue Shootout on Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. It will noe give the team three high-powered catamarans under the Miss GEICO moniker.
The turbine-powered 50-footer joins the team’s Platinum, which debuted in 2006, and the 44 MTI that was driven by Marc Granet and throttled by Scott Begovich in 2007. Granet and Begovich will also handle the Mystic when called upon, as they won’t be running it at every race.
“Our initial plan is the break the season with the MTI,” said Granet, who is excited to be behind the wheel of the Mystic. “With the immense power of the Mystic, we don’t want to risk going into that first race with out a lot of seat time.”
The difference in power between the MTI and the Mystic is more than 2,000 horsepower. The MTI is powered by twin T53 turbines that produce 1,850 hp a piece, while the Mystic has T55s that pump out 3,000 hp each.
“Honestly, the feeling is indescribable,” said Granet, when asked about riding in the 50-footer for the first time.” That feeling from 100 to 200 mph is incredible. It’s almost like you’re pinned to your seat. And once you get up to the high speeds, it’s very smooth.”
Along with the boat, the trailer and all of the equipment, AMF will have Cosker and his crew at Mystic Powerboats supporting the boat this season. They are the same group that has taken care of the boat for its run at the Lake rescue Shootout, the fastest of which was 209 mph in 2007.
“We have a year contract with AMF to crew at the races,” said Cosker, the owner of Mystic. “We’re looking forward to it. The last two years, the boat has only done one event.”
“We’re working with a high-profile hydrodynamics lab and guys like Ken Warby (the world water speed record holder),” Granet added, “When we go after it, we will do it. Haggin wants the record.”
Granet said the team’s main goal is to promote offshore racing. “We want the Miss GEICO boat to be a national icon,” he said. |
