BananaShark

The Devon built BananaShark Stirling 34 is actually over 39’ long and powered by two very economical Yanmar 260hp engines derived from the current 3 litre BMW engine and coupled to the Arneson surface drives means this boat is capable of well over 70mph.

The boat was designed and built as a racing machine capable of racing in the National Marathon series and next years Round Britain race where overall performance and a high average speed are the most important considerations. The crew, all from South Devon in and around Salcombe are John Cooke from the builders BananaShark, local garage owner Graham Lawton and local builder Jeremy Gibson.

The crew of three or four has a driver who has the steering wheel, the throttleman who is responsible for the throttles, trim and the engine data and behind the throttleman sits the navigator, all three positions are linked with a Raymarine

network which enables the crew not only to find their way around the course, but also to monitor the engine data and fuel consumption in real time making this boat not only very good looking, extremely fast, economical at only 1.5 litres per mile at 70+mph but also incredibly hi-tech.

The boat has competed in the RB12 Cowes Classic in the Cowes to Torquay race as well as other National events, and will be travelling up to Coniston in the Lake District in November to have a crack at the Class World Record.

Next year will see the crew take part in the Round Britain 2012 race which starts and finishes in Weymouth and takes place just before the Olympics, the year after the crew is entered in the Cowes to Monte Carlo race – wish them luck!