Mantis’s on water racing crew of Driver Matt Kelly and Throttleman Antony de Fina have been competing since the 90s, and from 2008 in this very boat in the Supercat Outboard class. It was designed by Tony de Fina, and built by Saracen Performance Boats, and is a composite containing Kevlar, Carbon Fibre, and E-Glass. Mechanics Matt Kelly and Craig Bailey, with Shore Crew Gary Arnfield, round out the team.

This year the boat sports two of Mercury Racing’s new V8 300R outboards, which highlights how the team is out there with a race to win mentality. Whilst they are competitors on the water, they are also aware that everyone needs to be mates when back on land.

A string of accolades backs this team. They are multiple Australian Champions in several classes, were Fourth in the 2015 XCAT Championship in the UAE, and also hold the Australian Speed Record in the National A, and Supercat Outboard classes, as well as winning the prestigious Robert Weir Trophy on several occasions. This particular piece of silverware is very much in their sights for the 2023 season, as well.

This is another team that love the Geelong round of the championship, stating, “Great on water venue, with fantastic land-based facilities in the middle of Geelong.” They are all set to go with their new motors, and very appreciative of the support from their sponsor, Pitman Truck Sales.