Miss Everett Question

By Fred Farley - Unlimited Hydroplane Historian

QUESTION:

Was there ever a boat named MISS EVERETT and what can you tell me about it? - Jessica Meadows

ANSWER:

Yes, there was indeed an Unlimited hydroplane named MISS EVERETT. It was owned by the late Bob Miller of Everett, Washington.

By the time Miller acquired it in 1959, the boat had pretty much seen its better days. Built in 1954 by Les Staudacher, it raced from 1954 to 1956 as Joe Schoenith's GALE IV and in 1957 and 1958 as Bob Schroeder's WILDROOT CHARLIE.

It won the 1954 President's Cup, the 1954 Indiana Governor's Cup, and the 1955 Detroit Memorial Regatta with Bill Cantrell driving. It finished second to HAWAII KAI III in National High Points in 1957 with Schroeder at the wheel.

The boat raced a few times in 1960 as MISS EVERETT with Red Loomis as driver. In later years, it appeared as CUTIE RADIO (in 1961), as MISS B & I (in 1962), and as U-OWE-TOO (in 1963). From 1961 onward, Miller did most of the driving for the Allison-powered craft. Although, in 1961, an 18-year-old Billy Schumacher made his Unlimited debut with the boat at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and finished an overall third.