1957 Hawaii Kai III
Owner: Ben Keller (Lakewood, Wash.)
Driver(s): TBA
Model Builder: Roger Newton (2004) | Craig Mullen (2014 rebuild)
Construction: Carbon fiber composite
Year Built: 2004 & 2014
Motor: Himax A3630-1500
Radio: Spektrum
Electronic Speed Controller: Turnigy AquaStar
Propeller: Octura Brilliant Copper Alloy (custom by Mike Campbell)
Paint Colors: Tropical Rose and Coral Mist
Graphics: Vinyl by Thunderboat Graphics
Notes about the Model: During the 2011 and 2012 seasons, the Hawaii Kai III was champion in the vintage class. This hull also won the ERCU Gold Cup in 2012 and again in 2019. Modeled after the National Gold Cup champion in 1957 and 1958, this boat was driven by Jack Regas. 2020 marked her 16th season racing. The current hull will be retired during the 2020-21 offseason and the intent is to replace her with a new Kai.
Notes about the Real Boat: Modeled after the National and Gold Cup Champion in 1957 and 1958. The "Pink Lady" Hawaii Kai III was arguably the finest race boat of the 1950s. Owned by Edgar Kaiser and driven by Jack Regas, the Kai epitomized the all-conquering Ted Jones design, which defined the state of the art in Unlimited hydroplane racing.
Notes about 2020: The Hawaii Kai III ran in all five races in the pandemic-shortened season of 2020, winning the Champion Spark Plug Regatta vintage final.
Driver(s): TBA
Model Builder: Roger Newton (2004) | Craig Mullen (2014 rebuild)
Construction: Carbon fiber composite
Year Built: 2004 & 2014
Motor: Himax A3630-1500
Radio: Spektrum
Electronic Speed Controller: Turnigy AquaStar
Propeller: Octura Brilliant Copper Alloy (custom by Mike Campbell)
Paint Colors: Tropical Rose and Coral Mist
Graphics: Vinyl by Thunderboat Graphics
Notes about the Model: During the 2011 and 2012 seasons, the Hawaii Kai III was champion in the vintage class. This hull also won the ERCU Gold Cup in 2012 and again in 2019. Modeled after the National Gold Cup champion in 1957 and 1958, this boat was driven by Jack Regas. 2020 marked her 16th season racing. The current hull will be retired during the 2020-21 offseason and the intent is to replace her with a new Kai.
Notes about the Real Boat: Modeled after the National and Gold Cup Champion in 1957 and 1958. The "Pink Lady" Hawaii Kai III was arguably the finest race boat of the 1950s. Owned by Edgar Kaiser and driven by Jack Regas, the Kai epitomized the all-conquering Ted Jones design, which defined the state of the art in Unlimited hydroplane racing.
Notes about 2020: The Hawaii Kai III ran in all five races in the pandemic-shortened season of 2020, winning the Champion Spark Plug Regatta vintage final.