About this episode

In this episode, David Newton interviews Jonathan Abbott about the complexities of officiating in hydroplane racing.

Send us Fan Mail The hardest part of hydroplane racing isn’t always the speed. Sometimes it’s deciding, in real time, what actually happened when eight boats hit the start, rooster tails erase sightlines, and a championship can swing on a single judgment call. In part 2 of the interview we sit down with Jonathan Abbott to get a clear, practical look at H1 Unlimited officiating from the chief referee’s chair and why “just call it on the water” is rarely as simple as it sounds. If you care abou...

People in this episode

Host: David Newton

Guest: Jonathan Abbott

Topics covered

• hydroplane racing
• officiating
• sports judgment
• championships
• speed
• real-time decisions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: H1 Unlimited

More episodes of Roostertail Talk

• Episode 181: Jonathan Abbott, Part 1 · May 19, 2026 · 45 min

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