3:39 AM Tue 24 Mar 2009 GMT
One of the world's legendary performance boat builders, UK-based Cougar Marine, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on May 30 with a 'Cougar Run' aimed at attracting a fleet of Cougar boats from the late 60's to the present day.
Established by Clive Curtis and James Beard in 1969, Cougar Marine these days is headed by Clive's son, the equally legendary Steve Curtis, 'the most successful throttleman in offshore racing history'.
It was Clive Curtis and partner James Beard who 'manufactured' the company's reputation for cutting edge technology and race-winning mono and multihull powerboat designs, not only for racing, but for commercial, military and leisure purposes as well.
A long line of high performance craft with impeccable sea-keeping characteristics have been designed and built from boats tested 'to the max' on race circuits worldwide.
 | ’Yellowdrama’, not sure what the name means, but this would have been a very modern Cougar when photographed in 1977. - John Donnelly |
The first catamaran to ever win an offshore power boat race was a Cougar!
This revolutionary design heralded an era of dominance still echoed today with the company's involvement in the Honda One Class series and the Pro Vee class for the original Thunderboats.
Cougar Marine counts its partnership with Honda and the Formula 4-Stroke Powerboat Race Series as one of its major achievements.
Today, with Steve Curtis and business partner Peter Currington, the two men continue to develop the company into a 'new age' of design and quality to meet the ever changing requirements and competition of the marine industry.
 | America’s ’first lady of powerboat racing’ Betty Cook wins the 1982 Class 1 world title in Melbourne aboard her Cougar ’Kaama’. - John Donnelly |
The birthday celebrations are expected to be spectacular; it will include the world's oldest Cougar, world's fastest Cougar (over a measured mile), the best presented Cougar and a never-likely-to-see-again collection of Cougars from around the world.
Those fortunate enough to attend will also have the opportunity to meet Clive and Steve.
For those unaware of Steve Curtis and his incredible achievements in offshore racing, he is regarded as 'the best international powerboat racer of all time', as throttleman aboard 'Spirit of Norway', holding the record for most Grand Prix victories (36) and most pole positions (38).
He has won the Class 1 Offshore World championship eight times, in the process becoming the youngest ever to win Class 1 and the first Englishman to win it.
In 2006 he was honoured with the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the sport.
In 2003, Steve Curtis was awarded the prestigious Seagrave Trophy, awarded to the Briton who has demonstrated outstanding performance in a powered vehicle.
Previous winners have included Sir Malcolm Campbell, Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart.
That same year, he was also honoured as the UK's Yachtsman of the Year.
Steve said he is very much looking forward to the 40th celebrations.
'Cougar has always been at the focal point of high speed hull design and it will be great to see the evolution of boats from the early days to our most modern creations, all in the one place,' he said.
Steve said that research and development in modern technology and racing had been directly used in both the design and production of the entire Cougar range, even down to the introductory 8.4-metre RIB.
'The company prides itself on its unrivalled approach and will always seek to strive and refine all processes to the benefit of Cougar buyers,' he added.
As for the 'birthday party', Cougar Marine promises it will be a gathering to remember.
Live entertainment, spectacular buffet, awards ceremonies and guest speeches will add to the excitement.
Several years ago (quite a few, in fact!) I managed to take a peek at one of the Cougar
Marine facilities, this time in the US.
I was wandering along the famous (now gone, sadly) 'Thunderboat Row', North East 188th Street, North Miami Beach, the same street anointed as 'muscle boat headquarters' by Cigarette's Don Aronow and the same street on which he would be cold bloodedly shot dead.
Along with Cigarette Racing Team, Apache Powerboats and assorted engine builders was the US HQ of Cougar Marine.
Later, back in Australia, I managed to obtain a few rides aboard a Cougar courtesy of Sydney-based Simon Maxwell, who in the late 1980s was in the throes of establishing an Australian Cougar dealership.
I lost track of Simon, but if he reads this, I'd like to hear from him.
Meanwhile, I shall just carry on and exhibit extreme jealousy towards all those fortunate enough to help Cougar Marine mark the big four oh.
Oh, and Many Happy Returns, Clive, James, Steve and Peter.
by Bob Wonders
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Perth (Coastal), WA
