“Sassy”, Stock Outboard Hydroplane, 1956
“Pop” Carlsen, Portsmouth, Virginia
Gift of Chris Hall

Racing small, lightweight boats with powerful outboard engines became a popular sport in the United States after the Second World War. Giving up comfort for speed, drivers knelt with one hand on the throttle and one on the steering wheel.

Almost anyone could build a hydroplane: the plans were available in a number of magazines, and the materials were available at many hardware and lumber stores.

“Sassy” won class honors at the 1957 regatta at the Hampton Yacht Club.