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The launch of the iconic Signature 1900s series of offshore power boats in the late 1980s cemented The Haines Group as an industry forerunner. Swiftly becoming a favourite amongst boaties for its sleek hull design and smooth ride until its cessation in 2000, the iconic craft is now making a classic come back in a new millennium.

In a joint venture between Australian Offshore Powerboat Club, The Haines Group and ACME Fibreglass, classic Signature 1900s were reproduced, partnered with a Suzuki 150HP four-stroke outboard motor and made their racing renaissance at the 2007 Australian Offshore Powerboat Series.

A new addition to the series this year, the Signature/Suzuki one make class pit team against team as the boats were identical in design and produced several well contested battles on the circuit.

While ACME has reigned over rivals Slam and Jericho to date, the in-augural one make title will be hotly contested at the final rounds of the Offshore Powerboat Series in Queensland.

Round five will see the Whitsunday’s plays host to the series on 16 – 17 June, with Round six wrapping up on June 30 – July 1st at the Gold Coast.

All Signature 1900s boats were race-ready rigged with a foot throttle, ski pole, rear lounge and custom upholstery made by Signature specifically for these limited number of boats.

The Signature 1900s has become synonymous with the high adrenaline and fast action of offshore powerboat racing, with the Haines family becoming an offshore power boating authority, after maintaining an exhaustive boat and ski racing program in the 1960's and 1970's

Their racing career has seen several generations compete in 1,000-mile ocean races from Cairns to the Gold Coast, hurtling down the Hawkesbury River at speeds in excess of 100 mph and pounding their way north to Newcastle in the famous Sydney to Newcastle Ocean race.

The Haines Group Production Designer and joint Managing Director John Haines Jnr said the unique design principles of the Signature 1900s range placed the craft in a class of its own.

"My father, John Haines Snr (AM) and I use to race on the offshore circuit and we know how reliable the 1900s are; the distinctive design is second to none which is why it has become such an iconic boat with such a strong following from offshore powerboat enthusiasts,” John Haines Jnr said.

see the full article at:http://www.haines-marine.com.au/news/news_detail.asp?ID=111