Insane reunion sees the return of Overall- and he's still got it

2nd November 2009. Photography by Dale Attwood

The opening day reunion saw the return of boat racing living legend Geoff Overall and as anyone at the ASBC yesterday would know, he hasn't lost his touch.

Above: Talking post-race with boat racing advocate and past Commodore Mark Palazzo.

This golden opportunity for Overall was made possible by Ken Arnott who so passionately continues the 'Insane' legacy to this day. Supported by the origninal Insane race crews dressed in their authentic (and well preserved) team uniforms, it was a trip down memory lane complimented with full blown racing, and Overall drove like he'd never left the sport.

Back in the same boat with which he won the Australasian Championships over 20 years ago, Overall wasted no time finding his feet during his warm up drive. One warm up lap followed by full noise action was enough to unsettle the nerves and prepare for competition.

His first two races in 18 years proved successful, taking second place only to Dave Clark in the blue Evercraft Tuff'e'Nuff.

Geoff drove exceptionally well considering his lengthy absence and pushed Insanity to its limits both in the corners and on the straights. Whats more, he seemed to enjoy every bit of it.

'It's just so much fun' he said after the days racing, still dressed in his orignial 'Insane' driving suit.

'I don't know if I'd want to go any faster than that, if I did I'd need a lot more seat time.'

'I must admit that when I woke up this morning (Sunday), I thought to myself "am I doing the right thing, or am I about to do something silly?"

'I was pretty nervous up until I had the chance to get stuck into it (Insanity). As soon as I dropped the foot I was okay.'

Yesterday was a once off appearance for Overall, and at this stage it is unknown as to whether or not he will again return to the water.