Bermuda Challenger, Chris Fertig is watching long-range weather trends in hopes of spotting a window in which to depart from New York to Bermuda in his bid at the vaunted Bermuda Challenge. Fertig hopes to leave sometime in mid-May.
We Spoke with Chris, and in addition to a new suite of electronics and live-streaming video equipment from manufacturers like De Lorme, his Statement Marine 37 is being fitted with extended range tanks, purpose built for the challenge by Best Fab Inc. Powered by twin CumminsMercruiser diesel sterndrives, Fertig will be the first to complete the 760-mile Bermuda Challenge in a sterndrive-powered boat.
Here's what Fertig had to say:
Race preps are going well and I hope to have the boat ready to go pending weather in three weeks. One of the refinements I am making to the boat is adding deck mounted extended range fuel tanks from Best Fab.
Fertig's new 175-gallon tanks are a story in themselves, according to a spokesman from Best Fab. " The (very) long length and narrow width of these tanks presented us with a unique challenge, which we answered by developing a new, "hybrid" construction method, based on two time-tested fabrication and welding methods, that we artfully and effectively blended together. We have never utilized this method, or seen this done before, but it worked out amazingly well, allowing us to, efficiently, produce a stronger tank and eliminate a common leak point (a long, fore-to-aft, bottom weld joint)."
For more information about the Bermuda Challenge, click here.
The names and titles of the Best Fab Inc. Crew are:
(From Left to Right):
- Carolyn Rodriguez - Accounting
- Amy Spencer - Quality Control
- "Paco" Velazquez - Lead Fabricator
- Barry Boucher II - Engineering Mgr. / Project Lead
- Angel Dumont - Welder / Fabricator
- Anthony Easton - Owner / President
- Pam Byrd - Owner / Vice President
- (Not Pictured) Dave Rohrer - Lead Welder
