THE ADRENALIN OF V8 JET BOAT RACING 

The first time you see a F1 Ferrari at full speed you can’t help but be impressed. It’s the same when you see V8 Jetboats in action.

Their raw power and acceleration and noise of these machines is unbelievable. But what makes them really impressive is the way they navigate the narrow twisting course racing against the clock.

IN YOUR FACE RAW POWER

Like all high speed sports jet boat racing is a game of micro seconds. One misturn  or misjudgement of a corner and it costs time. Multiply the corners they need to navigate and micro seconds become seconds and it is those seconds which separate the men from the boys!

It’s also a game of teamwork between the driver and the navigator and the mechanics. If the boat is not tuned and set up right the harder it is for the driver to what he needs to do. Then there is the navigator who must make sure the driver pilots the boat round the course the right way. Misguide the driver and miss a turn and it’s game over….quite easy when the corners are coming up within a second or two of the previous one.

Misjudge the course and before you know it they are up and over the grass and airborne. This is when you realise the danger of landing upside down and semi submerged. But like all high speed motorsports the reaction of trackside safety crew comes into play and it is a relief to finally see the crew out of the boat safe and sound.

PHOTOGRAPHING RACE BOATS

From a photography perspective this is an enjoyable sport. You get the choice to choose your angle, shoot low or go high and shoot down. Shoot front on or from the back. If you like the challenge of panning as the boats are side on you will have good fun.

Personally, I’m an in-your-face photography guy. So, for me it’s all about capturing the raw power of the boats and the flying spray and mud. And of course capturing sequences of the boats crashing is a thrill.

But the highlight is spot metered shooting directly into the late afternoon sun. I love the accentuated play of the light behind the water sprayed up behind the boats as they accelerate through the shallow muddy sections.

Lovely stuff…Can’t wait to do it again!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Fully charged batteries

• Lots of memory

• A medium sized lens

• Fast speed settings