Prior to the first ever unlimited hydroplane lap on Lake Coeur d’Alene, Mayor Perry Christianson of Coeur d’Alene commissioned Coral Reef owner Austin “Doc” Snell and his driver Harry Reeves as members of the Coeur d’Alene Navy. The “commissioning” took place at the 3PM dedication of the new Third Street pit area.

Having accepted the commission, Reeves stepped into the cockpit of the Coral Reef to the sound of the music of ...

The pressure was truly on… two months and counting until the Coeur d’Alene Unlimited Hydroplane Association had to have everything in place to get the big boats wet and qualifying underway for the very first Diamond Cup for unlimited hydroplanes.

The very first task to be completed was the find a usable location for the course and to properly survey it for approval by the American Power Boat Association. Less than a week after ...