Deck2Deck.us: Fantasy Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

2: U-6 – Oh Boy! Oberto / Miss Madison Driver: Steven David – Lighthouse Point, FL

Following a whale of a three-year run as the H1 National Champion, The City of Madison’s Oh Boy! Oberto returns in 2012 seeking to regain what Oberto Nation has grown accustomed to. The Jerky-Powered hull (0706) captured an Indiana Governor’s Cup on her Ohio River home waters and took home a Seafair Trophy to the delight of the Seattle-based Oberto Sausage Company. However, the damage sustained during the brutal collision with the U-96 during the Madison finale cost the Jerky Boat any legitimate shot at a fourth consecutive national title. Look for the Oberto to be back to full strength after an offseason at the capable hands of crew chief Mike “Boat Doctor” Hanson. Returning to the wheel for his 12th season as the City of Madison’s shoe is the deft Steven David. David, who snookered the field in pre-race jockeying at Seafair last season, must be flashing his trademark smile with the return of dicing for lanes in 2012. The Oberto appears posed to mount a challenge for the top honors this season.

1: U-1 – Spirit of Qatar 96 Driver: Dave Villwock – Auburn, WA

Edged by the Oberto by a mere 301 points in 2010, The Spirit of Qatar, with the backing of His Excellency Sheikh Hassan, regained the National Championship belt in 2011 after a long three-season slump. The ageless Dave Villwock captured checkers in three regatta finals while bringing home the Gold Cup (his ninth), the Columbia Cup, the Bill Muncey Cup, AND surpassing the legendary Bill Muncey on the all-time win list. After a thorough off-season refresh of the hull, including a new two-tone paint scheme, the U-1 Spirit of Qatar 96 (0116) should again be one of, if not the most thoroughly prepared boats on the water in 2012.