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The Schneider
Trophy
by R.J. Bartrop
(special correspondent to the Island
Birdwatcher)
The Coupe d'Aviation Maritime
Jacques
Schneider, also known as the Schneider Trophy, or the Schneider Cup
(despite
the trophy's total lack of resemblance to anything even vaguely cup-
shaped)
was founded by Jacques Schneider in 1912 to promote seaplane
development.
The race took place over a 150 mile course (expanded to 212 miles in
1921),
and the aeronautical club that won three times in the course of
five
years would win permanent possesion of the trophy, as well as a prize
of
70,000 Francs. Each aero club was allowed three
entries,
plus three alternates, and the race would be held in the country that
won
the previous race.
Now, rather than retell the entire
history of the race, the cup finally ended up in British hands in 1931
when they ran unopposed, as the French and Italian entries were not
ready
in time. The Italian entry, the v-24 powered Macchi-Castoldi
MC.72,
was eventually used to set a speed record for propeller driven
seaplanes
(440 mph) that still stands to this day.
In the Spontoon universe,
they managed to get it ready in time and win the 1931 Schneider, and
again
in 1933. For 1934, with the only other entry being a modified
GeeBee
sponsored by the Spontoon Island Racing Association (SIRA), a third and
final victory seemed a certainty. However, the Italian team lost
two of their entries in a hangar fire, and the third retired from the
race
when an oil line ruptured, leaving the Spontoon entry to take the
trophy,
and Spontoon Island would be the site of the next race.
Realizing the potential boost
for tourism, a few enterprising Spontoonians worked hard to impress FIA
officials with Spontoon Island's suitability for not only the upcoming
race, but as a permanent site for the competition. They
sweetenned
the deal with a larger prize, and all-expense paid trips to Spontoon
for
members of the relevant sanctioning bodies. Swayed by the
natural
beauty of the island, the enthusiasm of SIRA members, and more
than
a few Pineapple Krakatoas, the FIA revised the rules for the Schneider
Trophy, and Spontoon became it's permanent home, becoming the
centrepiece
if the SIRA's Speed Week, held in the last week of August.
The Slow Race by
JWKennedy (larger version here)
http://docphlogiston.tripod.com/
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