❖ SEATTLE'S GOLD CUPPER ❖ STANLEY SAYRES

Stan Sayres and his crew being presented 
the GOLD CUP in July 1950. 
SLO-MO-SHUN IV took all 3 heats of the
Gold Cup Race held on the Detroit River.
Lou Appel, Ted Jones, driver & designer;
Owner Stanley Sayres;
Mike Welsh, riding mechanic.
Wire photo print from the archives of the
Saltwater People Historical Society©

"No member brought more renown to the Seattle Yacht Club than did Stan Sayres. He was truly a gentleman sportsman. Sayres sought perfection in his boats, recognition for his championship crew, and honors for his club and city. He was a tough competitor, but a most generous and gracious champion.
      Sayres, with his Slo-mo-shun boats, revolutionized hydroplane speedboat racing, and his achievements made Seattle the speedboat capital of the world.          

      In 1952 he broke his own mile straightaway record with a run at 178.497 miles per hour. In 1950 he captured the American Powerboat Association's Challenge Cup, commonly called the Gold Cup, and brought it to SYC for the first time. He alone defended the Gold Cup against all challengers for the next four years. He is also credited with bringing the British International Trophy for Motor Boats (the Harmsworth Trophy) and the President's Trophy to the club, in addition to winning five consecutive Gold Cup championships.

      Stan Sayres' achievements with his famous Slo-mo-shun boats stimulated the organization of Seattle Seafair, gaining national prominence for this community; it was most fitting that these efforts earned him Seattle's Man of the Year title.
      Sayres also received worldwide recognition with the award of the Bronze Medal of Honor from the Union of International Motorboating in Belgium.
      When Stan Sayres passed away in 1956, the Seattle Yacht Club lost one of its most distinguished members. His friendliness, his eagerness to help others, and his loyalty are still remembered." Seattle Yacht Club 1892-1992.

Only the agile young were able to command
the best seats in the house for the 
Seafair hydroplane trial runs, scaling the 
giant madrona trees along the shores of 
Lake Washington in the Sayres Memorial Park.
Click image to enlarge.
Photo by Vic Condiotty from the archives of the 
Saltwater People Historical Society©