1948 Biscayne Bay Regatta

Cooper Heads Drivers To Close Regatta Today

By Salty Mallants (Miami Dally News Boating Editor)

Smoother waters but winds of 16 to 20 miles per hour will face drivers of inboard speedboats at the second-day running of the Biscayne Bay regatta this afternoon on the course of the Rickenbacker causeway. The first event is scheduled to get under way at 1 o’clock, when the 91-cubic inch hydroplanes work up to the starting line.

* * *

On Sunday the drivers decided not to risk their necks and craft on the rough waters of the bay. The wind was exactly out of the east making the waters choppy, especially on the south leg of the course. This morning the wind shifted to the southeast making the water a little smoother, hut still rough enough to prevent the breaking of records. It was pointed out at yesterday’s drivers meet that they must run today no matter what the weather. It was the second consecutive year the inboard events of the regatta had to be canceled.

There will be plenty of action in today’s Junior Chamber of Commerce events. In most of the classes veterans and previous winners of nation wide regattas will compete. Jack "Pop” Cooper, veteran and holder of the record for the 91’s yesterday said he would race in spite of a mending broken rib. He is known for showing the stern to many a younger pilot.

* * *

Two races for local drivers, who came out on top in the winter regatta of the Pelican Harbor Yacht Club, will perhaps provide the most thrills. All will race regular stock 105-horsepower engines. In the class E events Loren Pennington champion, will get competition from such local drivers as Forest Johnson, Buddy Galatis, Bill Price and Bob Thompson. These localites are said to thrive on rough waters and may well take the cake away from the California speedster.

Lou Fageol, California, Gold Cup defender, has not put in an appearance as yet and it is doubtful he will even attend the regatta as a non-driver. Many of the owners of 225 cubic inch hydroplanes, including Danny Foster and his California Kid, were ready to give him a battle with his higher powered vessel.

(The Miami News, Mon Apr 12 1948)