Visitors to the Fremantle Maritime Museum would have seen the steam launch Ti-Tu on display there, and at twelve metres in length, it’s hard to miss.  Built in Fremantle in 1901 for WA’ first Attorney General; Septimus Burt, it was a familiar sight on the Swan River and remained with the Burt family for many years.  It even served as a ferry to Garden Island until being purchased by South of Perth Yacht Club member Frank Marchant in 1956.

Frank inaugurated the now annual time trial event in its honour, commemorating the fine example of WA craftsmanship. Forty-seven power boats from three clubs lined up to contest the trophy, on a course stretching from SoPYC to Quarry Spit near the Old Brewery, right across the river to Lucky Bay Spit on the Attadale foreshore before returning to the club. Frank Marchant’s son Kim was on hand to present trophies.

With two boats conceding just six points the 2018 Ti-Tu Trophy has joint winners. ‘Dalusional’, skippered by Troy Dalglish, navigated by Dee Kelly and ‘Purrfect’, skippered by John Cooper and navigated by his wife Lynne.   

A strong performance by RPYC’s Smith brothers in their tiny open boat Noah Gendah and Claremont Yacht Club’s ‘Utopia’, skippered by Justin Congdon with navigator David Bovell. The “Wide World of Sports” theme after party went on well into the night and a fitting way to finish the day. www.sportspage.com.au, by Bernie Kaaks