We previously gushed over the staging for Apache Star’s world record attempt – if you don’t know the Apache name, all you need to know is that it represents a timeless era of quality and passion in powerboats. Now we have confirmation that the new world record was achieved by Apache Star owner Roger Kluh, a German former hockey star and entrepreneur that made the 110-mile crossing from Florida to Cuba with Mark McManus at the throttles, Damien Sauvage as navigator and John Pompi as the engineer. Conditions worked against them, affecting communications systems and even an engine failure near the Bay of Havana, but they prevailed and crossed the finish line anyway. The team was greeted with throngs of an impressed and cheerful public, giving handshakes and autographs for the spectators who came out. Even they did not expect such large crowds. “An unforgettable day,” the crew said, summing up the event and the new world record better than most words could.
Watch footage and an interview below:
