Page "Seafair" Paragraph 18

As the fifties progressed, the battle for the coveted Gold Cup intensified.

Seattle and Detroit continued to vie for the rights to host “ the Kentucky Derby on water ,” unlimited hydroplane racing ’ s premiere event.

Elaborate point scoring systems often led to controversies where the Gold Cup winner was not declared for hours or even days after the completion of the final heat.

Seattle was indeed the boating capital of the world, hosting the Gold Cup 1951 through 1955 and 1957 through 1959 during this decade.

The lone Detroit victory in the 1950s was a controversial win by Detroit ’ s Gale V in 1955.