Power Boating Canada was honoured to attend the opening of The Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame, showcasing the rich history of racing heritage. Long-time CBC host and iconic Canadian voice Brian Williams opened the ceremony echoing the excitement about this important landmark of racing and boatbuilding.
Located right near Bracebridge, ON, the museum is home to many famous raceboats, including Miss Supertest II which in 1959 reached an astonishing top speed of 184.57 mph (296.96 km/h) driven by Art Asbury on the waters of Picton, ON.
Murray Walker and Jamie Smith created the Hall of Fame Museum to celebrate the people, boats and stories that emphasize Canada’s incredible history of racing on water. The CRHF is a registered charitable organization, and they are striving to educate visitors while giving back to the community at the same time. Not only is it a museum, but it is also a perfect venue to host weddings, corporate events, or even celebrations of life.
In attendance was ten-time Canadian/North American Champion, Mark Rotharmel, who competed on the World Championship UIM F1 tunnel-boat circuit for two decades at speeds approaching 150 MPH. 
Throughout the 70’s, Mark drove for the Mercury Marine Factory Racing Team, tallying countless wins and four overall titles. When Team Mercury withdrew from the sport following the ’79 season, Mark was asked to join Team OMC – and without losing pace, won three more titles in the early 1980’s driving Evinrude-powered, Italian built Molinari raceboats – including his vibrant blue Rotharmel Racing #11 F1 tunnel that’s now on display at the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame.
“I’m thrilled and delighted to see so many happy faces here today,” Mark said. “If only these vintage champion raceboats could speak, the stories they could tell! Each and every boat is meaningful in that they were all designed and built by world-renowned craftspeople who had one goal in mind – to win races and compete in a rare, exciting, and may I add, dangerous form of motorsports where the track surface is never the same twice.”
Rotharmel also spoke about the founders of the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame.
“Out of love and passion, Murray Walker, Jamie Smith, Harry Wilson and other committed disciples of powerboat racing are united in showcasing the glory of powerboat racing, past, present and future,” Mark reiterated. “Walking through the exhibit is both a trip though time and rocket-ship ride forward. New visitors to the Hall, and to powerboat racing in general, will be taken aback, and for anyone who grew up watching the sport or participating in it, I wouldn’t be surprised if the pure beauty of these magnificent machines takes their breath away.”
Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith and Muskoka Lakes’ Mayor and long-time marine industry member Peter Kelley both spoke about this museum being a great addition to the community. The CRHF is a destination that the entire family can explore and enjoy right in the heart of the Muskoka…
Publisher Bill Taylor and his son Todd Taylor attended from Power Boating Canada as they have covered the sport in various magazines over the last 39+ years. Also attending were other legendary PBC contributors like Richard Crowder and Bill Jennings. Crowder and Jennings were responsible for many of the feature race articles through the pages of Power Boating Canada.
Fred Wolf, former Director of Service and former Race Team Manager for Mercury Marine Canada was also at the event. Additionally, stock hydroplane racers Eric and Ted Abel made appearances. Ted was formerly the President of the Canadian Boating Federation.
Stay tuned to PowerBoating.com and our magazine for more archives and stories on the past, present and future of boating in Canada.
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