November, 2001

Excitement in Sanford is on the way!
After nearly a decade, the fastest boats in the world are returning to Florida!  The location?  Central Florida and scenic Lake Monroe.  The city of Sanford has signed a letter of intent with an area promoter to host Excitement in Sanford 2002: Hydro-Racing Spectacular!  Hydro-Prop Inc., the sanctioning body of Hydroplane and Formula One racing in the United States, and the city of Sanford have authorized Excitement in Sanford 2002.  It's an American Power and Speed water sports event and the Unlimited Lights just may be on the bill as well!

Sanford's Mayor Brady Lessard calls "Excitement in Sanford" - "A premiere event for all of Central Florida!  It provides great opportunity to reach out to an extensive motorsport fan base across the state and the southeast!"

For all the details, log on to the official race website, www.excitementinsanford.com.
 

Did you miss the recent Seafair broadcast?
If you missed the premiere of the Seafair race on Wednesday and didn't catch the surprise Sunday rebroadcast you have another chance to see it on Speedvision tomorrow (Wednesday the 28th) at 10 AM PST!  Don't miss this great show.
 

New photography site covers the series!
Alan Lagervall has been photographing powerboats since 1983 and has captured quite a mix of unlimited, unlimited light and inboard photos since that time.  Recently, Alan built a website where he can share his photo collection with fans of the series.  You can find his new site at www.seanet.com/~alagervall/.  Once there, simply click your way inside the site and look for the "photos" button which will take you to the heart of his gallery.  There you will find a great mix of Unlimited Light photos, Unlimited photos, vintage shots and much more.  Well worth a visit!
 

Don't miss the boat this week!
The Speedvision debut of the Unlimited Lights at Seattle's Seafair is just around the corner!  This Wednesday, November 21st, you can catch the show at 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM PST.  Be sure to check local listings for the specific time in your area because this is one broadcast you do not want to miss!
 

Remembering Tad Degenhardt
Earlier this week, with the greatest of sadness, Duncan Wilson reported the passing of Tad Degenhardt of the Seafair Boat Club.  Tad passed away on November 10th.  "Anyone who has ever worked at or been around Seafair knew Tad from his many years as a volunteer and head of the Landside operations for the race. Tad was a long time member of the Boat Club and a former Commodore. He was currently sitting as a board member."

Duncan continued, "Those of us that work on the Seafair race saw Tad as our mentor, friend, confident and leader.  His sudden death has left a huge hole not only in the Seafair Boat Club organization but our hearts as well.  We love you and will miss you Tad, thank you for all you did for us individually and for the
community. You can't be replaced."

ULHRA Commissioner Patricia Darling actually joined the Seafair Boat Club at the same time as Tad some 30 years ago. "He was a dear, hard working man" remarked Patty looking back on the life of her friend.

Unlimited pilot, Nate Brown, sent us the following; "I for one will miss Tad very much. He was a true fan of Hydroplane racing and a hard working, very instrumental man for Seafair.  He helped me on a personal basis during Seafair many times.  Our boat racing family lost a great guy and Laura lost her soul mate.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tad's family and wife Laura."

Tad Degenhardt joined the Seafair Boat Club some 30 years ago.  Tad died of a massive heart attack at his home.  A private service was held on Wednesday and a public memorial is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) in Seattle.  The hydro community will miss Mr. Degenhardt both for his contributions and his friendship.

ULHRA welcomes a new Vice-President and General Manager!
Pat Malara, former Seafair Race Director, has been appointed Vice President and General Manager of ULHRA.  Mr. Malara was born in Syracuse NY and moved to Seattle at age 14.  He has been involved with Seafair for 19 years.  He and wife Cheri own Western Cascade, a Tukwila company specializing in the manufacturing, sales, & service of dry bulk, propane, and petroleum tankers.  We welcome him to the ULHRA!
 

Las Vegas
The Las Vegas meeting is coming up next weekend!    The ULHRA meeting will be held from 9AM-5PM at the Courtyard by Marriott, 3275 Paradise Road, Las Vegas (phone: 702-791-3600).  The restaurant will not be open, but they have offered to prepare a buffet for our meeting.  The luncheon buffet at the Courtyard will be $12.00 per person.

Looking for more on the meeting?  Click here for our previous update.

Click here for updates from September/October, 2001.