In 2012, Chris Fertig and Tyson Garvin became Bermuda Challenge champions. They held the record for less than a month, being bested by a team led by Fabio Buzzi.
Today, Fertig and Garvin are watching the weather and hope to make a new record attempt in a new boat, a Skater 399 powered by twin Cummins diesels and Arneson Surface Drives.
According to Fertig, who I spoke to on the phone from Virginia Beach, Virginia, the boat is very efficient, burning just 2 GPH at its “fast cruise” of 78 mph.
We’ll host live streaming video coverage of the event, as well as text and social media updates from Fertig and Tyson enroute.
Like them, and like mariners since time immemorial, we are just waiting on the weather.
Fertig and Garvin’s Skater 399
Boat Specifications
Manufacturer – Skater Powerboats Model – 399 V-hull Material – Carbon/Kevlar Engines – Twin 5.9L, 480hp Cummins Transmissions – ZF Two speeds Drives – Arneson #8s Props – Precision Works 19 x 44 Electronics - Simrad NSS Integrated Navigation system with satellite weather
Performance
Fast cruise - 78mph @ 2mpg (light load) Top speed - 84mph (light load)
