Lorne Leibel and his infamous 47’ Apache—still in its original 1987 livery with triple 750-hp Keith Eickert engines—has registered for the 2023 Gateway Marathon, set for June 1-4. The marathon comprises a 128-mile course twice crossing the Straits of Florida between Palm Beach, FL, and West End, Bahamas, and is hosted by the Sailfish Marina Resort on Singer Island.

Leibel’s throttleman is none other than Bobby Latham, recalling Leibel’s first win when he and Latham won the 1986 158-mile Apache Grand Prix in his 38’ Cigarette, Molson Indy, with a set of 725-hp Coyote engines averaging 77.1 mph.

Named Rookie of the Year in 1986, Leibel continued racing boats, winning the U.S. National Championship in 1993, 2001 and 2003, the title of Superboat World Champion in 2001 and 2003, and another World Championship in 2021 with Johnny Tomlinson in the Super Cat class.

“Ocean Cup provides the opportunity for those wanting to compete in classic offshore racing,” says Ocean Cup’s General Manager, Janet Wilson. “Having Lorne Leibel and Bobby Latham is outstanding. Those two entering together WITH one of the most famous boats in the world—Hull #1 of the classic 47’ Apache, this is almost too good to be true."

“I’ve raced vintage cars, but never alongside modern designed cars,” Leibel says. “Bobby and I are representing classic boats and we welcome the opportunity to compete alongside today’s modern hulls and equipment."

Latham adds: “Anything that gets your blood racing is probably worth doing, and when Lorne called, I didn’t hesitate. This style of racing is the heritage of offshore and I’ve missed it.”

In addition to Leibel and Latham, three other teams have registered and all three are veterans of the 2022 Ocean Cup/Huntington Beach around Catalina:

• Patriotic Duty – Tony Adams, Steve Seaton, and Allen Bellinghausen – 47’ Outerlimits
• The Super Fountain – Andy Copeland – 42’ Fountain
• Revelation Racing – Michael Drury – 32’ Lavey Craft

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