Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race
2008 Race Report: PLATYPUS

Wilma was accompanied by the return of the lovable Pokey the PLATYPUS (Personal Long-range All-Terrain Yacht Proven Un-Safe).  Pokey comes equipped with hydraulic steering and brakes, and didgeridoos.

Like the WOMBAT, Pokey created a huge splash when she hit the water, soaking the media and race officials on the pier.

By using automobile components, David Hess’ sculptures are extraordinarily robust—some sculptures would crumble to bits if they dove into the water with such gusto.

Pokey encountered trouble in the sand, and had to back out and try again.  But after some fixes, she then proceeded handily through the sand and mud.

Pilots were David Hess, Eli Hess, George Hess (the eldest at 70 years of age), Mike Myers, Eric Salisbury,  David Ferraro, Mic Ferraro, Peter Machen,  Jeff Jennings, Mark Gibson, and Tim Duke.