Team Rubson Benelux Storms The Raid in Thailand

For team members, Ryan Van Esch, Marco Di Giorgi, Gerard Bergsman, Tim Verkley, Frankwin Van Beers and Bob Van Nieuwenhuyzen, their maiden victory was a result of thorough preparation and a highly focused, professional approach, which saw them claim a total of 225 points over 6 days of competition in the idyllic waters of Thailand’s Andaman Sea. The proudly patriotic Dutch outfit beat Yann Roussel’s two-time winning Team Only from the French West Indies by 9 points overall, and was joined on the podium by fellow Netherlands-based crew Dutch Connection, on 213 points.

As you will have read in our December edition, the Rubson Raid Turquoise is a nautical race that’s simply out on its own: think Dakar rally on water, crossed with the Cannonball Run – it’s the ultimate test of seamanship and endurance. Putting man and machine against the might of the open seas, the event, now in its 6th year, attracts huge media coverage and drew in entrants from 10 different countries around the world.

Tackling challenges that include speed and navigation skills, orienteering, land trekking trials and even a waterski relay run over a 40-mile course, the teams all compete aboard identical 7.5-metre Capelli semi–rigid powerboats propelled by the high-output Yamaha F250 four–stroke outboard motor pushing out 250hp. Despite the demands of a punishing race schedule and arduous conditions, this powerful and proven engine gave a faultless performance in each of the RIB craft, demonstrating once again its toughness and reliability.

In a race that was packed with action and notable camaraderie, special mention must go to the South African Team Pattex, which, for the first-time in the event’s history, was honoured with the ‘fair play’ award for gallantly assisting the stricken Russian team following a nasty incident in the week’s final race.

Whatever the event’s organizers have got planned for 2007, and they’re not letting on yet, you can be sure it will continue the familiar Rubson theme of providing close, exciting racing between world-class entrants in a spectacular location. We can’t wait…

For more information about the Rubson Raid Turquoise, and upcoming details of the 2007 event, visit: www.raidturquoise.com  

- Yamaha, Amsterdam -